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When it comes to residential and commercial HVAC systems, packaged units are a popular choice for their compact, all-in-one design. These self-contained systems combine major components like compressors, evaporator coils, and condensers into a single cabinet. This allows for easier installation since all connections are made at the unit. Learn more about how packaged units can improve your energy efficiency capabilities today.
The Use High-Efficiency Components
Manufacturers of modern, packaged HVAC systems rely on components that lend themselves to energy efficiency. While you may see your HVAC system as a singular unit, it’s made up of several components that must work together to achieve comfort and efficiency. While the use of these higher-quality parts usually increases the up-front cost, it’s typically worth it in the long run.
Proper Sizing
Properly sizing any HVAC system is critical for efficiency. An oversized unit will cycle on and off frequently, reducing system lifespan and wasting energy in the process. Conversely, an undersized unit will run non-stop, increasing your monthly utility bills. Our team at Pipe Works Services uses exact calculations based on factors like home size, insulation, windows, occupancy, and climate to right-size your packaged unit. This prevents waste while maintaining comfort.
Economizer Mode
One of the easiest ways packaged units can save energy is by utilizing an economizer. This mechanism brings in fresh outdoor air when temperatures allow for free cooling. Since the unit doesn’t have to run the compressor as much, you’ll notice a significant drop in energy usage. Newer packaged systems often come economizer-ready, making them easy to integrate. You may even be able to retrofit an existing unit. Just be sure to have a professional install it properly.
Variable Speed Components
Variable speed components like fans, compressors, and pumps are prevalent in today’s efficient packaged units. By automatically adjusting speeds based on cooling/heating requirements, major energy waste from constant full-speed operation is avoided. While it represents a more significant upfront cost, variable speed technology typically offers a quick payback through dramatic efficiency improvements.
Demand-Controlled Ventilation
One innovative way to curb energy waste in a commercial building or large home is by adding demand-controlled ventilation to your packaged unit. This utilizes CO2 sensors to track occupancy and modulate the ventilation rate accordingly. So, instead of running the ventilation full blast around the clock to meet maximum occupancy needs, it automatically dials it down during times when fewer people are present.
Zoned Control
Creating separate thermal zones in your home or building allows for smarter HVAC operation and energy savings. Rather than heating or cooling the entire space to satisfy just one zone, you only condition where it’s needed. With zoned control via networked thermostats and motorized dampers, the packaged unit can optimize runtimes for each unique space. While zoned systems used to require complex ductwork, today’s advanced packaged units simplify implementation. Pipe Works Services specializes in designing and installing these zoned packaged units to maximize both comfort and efficiency throughout your residential or commercial property. Our techs will analyze your floor plan, usage patterns, and problem areas to create an ideal zoning strategy. The result is a system that targets conditioning where and when it’s needed for energy savings.
Scheduled Operation
Take advantage of occupancy patterns with scheduled settings on your home’s packaged unit. A common strategy involves raising cooling setpoints and lowering heating setpoints during unoccupied hours. So rather than maintaining 72°F when you’re sleeping or away, it allows temperatures to drift modestly higher or lower for reduced runtimes. Using 7-day programmable thermostats, our technicians can set up custom schedules tailored to your lifestyle. Arriving home to a comfortable 72°F living room after allowing it to coast up to 78°F through the workday avoids wasting energy. Scheduled setbacks maintain comfort when you need it while optimizing efficiency and savings when you don’t.
Regular Maintenance
To keep your packaged unit running at peak efficiency, neglecting maintenance is not an option. With regular service from our team at Pipe Works Services, we can catch small issues before they degrade into major efficiency killers. Things like dirty filters and coils, refrigerant leaks, worn fans, and failing components sap precious energy if not addressed. We offer maintenance plans that include multi-point inspections with tune-ups to prevent premature failure. Whether it’s checking charge levels, cleaning coils, or replacing worn parts, proper maintenance sustains the energy efficiency your packaged unit was designed for. Investing in preventative maintenance saves you money over the long haul.
Maintenance doesn’t only improve your system’s energy efficiency. Most new systems come with warranty protection in place, but those warranties have conditions in place, including regular maintenance. If your maintenance requires maintenance, failing to schedule routine service voids the warranty and leaves you responsible for the cost of any repairs or replacement parts.
Occupancy Sensors
For spaces with variable occupancy, such as storage rooms, conference rooms, or bathrooms, occupancy sensors are a great way to eliminate energy waste from packaged units. By automatically shutting ventilation systems off when a space becomes unoccupied, needlessly heating or cooling empty rooms is avoided. Once someone enters the space again, the system reactivates to maintain comfort. Occupancy sensor controls seamlessly integrate with new packaged rooftop units. We can also retrofit existing units with sensor systems to start saving energy. Pipe Works Services ‘s expert technicians will assess ideal placement and settings to maximize these sensors’ impact on your application.
Heat Recovery Ventilators
Because ventilation brings in unwanted heat or cold, it represents a major energy drain for many buildings. But heat recovery ventilators allow packaged units to capture 60-80% of that precious heating and cooling energy from the exhaust air stream. It’s then transferred to incoming fresh air through a heat exchanger for essentially free reconditioning. For apartments, offices, and other buildings with high ventilation requirements, packaged units with heat recovery ventilators can yield dramatic savings on energy bills.
Advanced Controls
For large commercial packaged units, advanced building automation takes energy optimization to the next level. Networked systems can coordinate multiple rooftop units for systemwide efficiency gains no single unit could achieve alone. Temporary setpoint adjustment and night setbacks activated by occupancy sensors also prevent conditioning empty spaces. Outdoor air dampers may close, and ventilation stops when spaces aren’t occupied. Automatic fault detection minimizes downtime if repairs are needed.
Schedule an Appointment With Us
For Chatham, NJ, homes and businesses looking for the ideal balance of upfront cost, comfort, ease of installation, and long-term energy savings, a high-efficiency packaged unit is tough to beat. When you’re ready to upgrade or replace your old, inefficient HVAC system, the experts at Pipe Works Services are here to help. We’ll size, select, and install a new packaged unit optimized for performance and efficiency. And we’ll keep it running that way with ongoing maintenance. Plus, we handle plumbing, electrical, insulation, and other services to maximize home comfort and safety. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Our business has been Chatham’s most trusted home service company for years. We look forward to helping your family stay comfortable while increasing HVAC efficiency.
