How can you select and install energy-efficient mechanical equipment?

1 Assess your needs

Before you start looking for mechanical equipment, you need to assess your current and future needs, as well as the existing conditions and constraints of your facility. This will help define the scope, specifications, and budget of your project, so that you can avoid oversizing or undersizing your equipment. To do this, take into account factors such as the type, size, and layout of your facility; the function, demand, and occupancy of your space; the climate, weather, and seasonal variations; the energy sources, tariffs, and incentives available; the codes, standards, and regulations applicable; the performance, efficiency, and lifespan of your existing equipment; and the potential for energy recovery, reuse, or storage.

2 Compare alternatives

Once you have a clear idea of your needs, you can compare different alternatives of mechanical equipment that can meet them. You should look for equipment that has high energy efficiency ratings, such as ENERGY STAR, SEER, EER, COP, or IEER. These ratings indicate how much energy the equipment uses to provide a certain output or service. You should also compare the initial cost, operating cost, maintenance cost, and payback period of each alternative. Additionally, you should consider the environmental impact, noise level, reliability, and compatibility of the equipment with your facility.

3 Select the best option

After comparing alternatives, you should select the best option that suits your needs, budget, and goals. You should also consult with the manufacturer, supplier, or contractor to get more information and advice on the equipment. You should ask for detailed specifications, warranties, manuals, and references. You should also verify the availability, delivery time, and installation requirements of the equipment. Furthermore, you should check if you qualify for any rebates, tax credits, or financing options that can lower the cost or increase the return of your investment.

4 Plan the installation

Before you install the equipment, you need to plan the installation process carefully to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency. You should prepare the site, obtain the necessary permits and approvals, and coordinate with the relevant stakeholders. You should also hire qualified and experienced installers who can follow the manufacturer's instructions and best practices. You should schedule the installation at a convenient time that minimizes disruption and downtime. Moreover, you should arrange for testing, commissioning, and training to verify the functionality and performance of the equipment.

5 Monitor the operation

After you install the equipment, you need to monitor its operation regularly to evaluate its energy efficiency and identify any issues or opportunities for improvement. You should use meters, sensors, and software to measure and record the energy consumption and output of the equipment. You should also compare the actual results with the expected or baseline results to calculate the savings and payback. Additionally, you should inspect, clean, and maintain the equipment according to the manufacturer's recommendations and industry standards. You should also update, adjust, or retrofit the equipment as needed to optimize its efficiency.

6 Seek feedback and support

Finally, you should seek feedback and support from your staff, customers, and peers to enhance your knowledge and skills in selecting and installing energy-efficient mechanical equipment. You should communicate the benefits and challenges of the equipment to your staff and customers, and solicit their suggestions and feedback. You should also network with other facilities engineers and professionals who have similar or different experiences with the equipment, and share your insights and lessons learned. Furthermore, you should seek support from experts, consultants, or organizations that can offer guidance, resources, or assistance to improve your energy efficiency.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?