HVAC brochure - Eskom IDM

conditioning, provide heating; reflecting the fact that changing seasons have an effect on whether air in the workplace
needs to be heated or cooled to deliver comfortable conditions.
In more specialised applications, where large-scale heating is required, boilers may be employed which generate heat
for dispersal by boiling water. Additionally, electrical heaters can be found in many business settings.
3.1 Heating: opportunities for efficiency improvements
Where boilers are used, simple interventions that support improved operation of equipment also contribute
to better reliability. Such interventions should include:
• Inspect boilers for scale deposits, accumulation of sediment or boiler compounds on water side surfaces.
• Inspect electrical contacts and working parts of relays in order to maintain good working order.
• Check heater elements for cleanliness and replace as necessary.
• Check instrumentation and controls for proper operation, and repair and adjust as necessary.
Where zonal electric heating equipment is being used, the following maintenance activities will support
improved efficiency:
• Ensure heat transfer surfaces of all units are kept clean and unobstructed.
• Make sure that air movement in and out of the units is unobstructed.
• Inspect heating elements, controls and, as applicable, fans periodically to ensure proper functioning and cleanliness.
• Determine if electric heating equipment is operating at rated voltage.
4. Ventilation systems
Mechanical ventilation systems allow fresh air into buildings
mainly to control odours typically caused by smoking, cooking
or industrial activity. Ventilation has a significant impact
on a building’s total energy consumption. The rate of
ventilation, and the difference between outside and indoor
temperatures, have a direct bearing on the energy consumed
by the heating or cooling system to compensate for the heat
gain or heat loss.
A properly functioning ventilation system is essential to the
operation of any commercial building. Nonetheless, experience
indicates that many buildings are using more ventilation than is
minimally necessary. Another concern is that building owners are not
taking full advantage of the various control and heat recovery devices
that, when applied to the ventilation system, can reduce the energy consumed
for heating and cooling. As a result, a substantial amount of energy is being wasted.
4.1 Ventilation systems: opportunities for efficiency and energy saving improvements
Since ventilation systems are driven by fans or pumps and deliver air through ducts, most opportunities for improved
performance and reduced electricity consumption relate to optimising these components. This is discussed in more
detail in the general opportunities section on page 6.
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