Save Energy and Lower Costs

When our clients are considering an HVAC system replacement, looking to increase energy efficiency and lower operating costs, or seeking a design-build solution that improves their space’s comfort at a competitive cost, LBA encourages them to consider buying an economizer. Economizers are devices that can be built into an HVAC system by the manufacturer or purchased and installed separately by the client's mechanical contractor.

In the Kansas City area, many commercial buildings require cooling from their HVAC systems six to nine months out of the calendar year. During months with moderate temperatures and lower humidity ─ such as March, April, October, and November ─ an economizer can be used to capture the cool ambient air, deliver that air to the building or space, and achieve the desired temperature setting. An economizer has sensors that compare the temperature outside to the temperature inside which operates a damper accordingly, hence giving the HVAC system, and the subsequent utility bill, a break. Energy efficiency is improved because the ambient temperatures and moisture level of the air do not require the HVAC system to use energy to mechanically cool and/or remove moisture from the air. 

Economizers can deliver rapid paybacks in the Kansas City area

Source: Loren Cook Co.

(Results are building-application specific: Data centers have a faster ROI than standard office space.)

The key benefits of an economizer are saving energy, lowering operational costs, and improving comfort levels. Economizers have the added benefit of accelerating the return on investment. Data centers receive an immediate payback, and, depending on a building’s application, the payback period for other buildings in the Kansas City area is generally one to three years. Our clients can expect to use their economizers for 500 to 700 hours of cooling, on average, in a calendar year. 

Economizers can mean up to $3,500 a year in energy savings in the Kansas City area

Source: Loren Cook Co.Based on an HVAC system’s size, economizers average $1,800 to $2,500 installed, which is often less than 5 percent of the total purchase price of a new system. Over the economizer’s average useful life, our clients can save up to $45,000 on their energy bills. Property owners and managers also can market their properties’ competitive energy costs when economizers are installed.  

Based on an HVAC system’s size, economizers average $1,800 to $2,500 installed, which is often less than 5 percent of the total purchase price of a new system. Over the economizer’s average useful life, our clients can save up to $45,000 on their energy bills. Property owners and managers also can market their properties’ competitive energy costs when economizers are installed.  

When buying an economizer, it is also important to update the maintenance scope of work to include seasonal maintenance on the economizers to keep them in good working condition for the useful life of the system. In many states and municipalities, including municipalities in the Kansas City area, economizers are also a code requirement. 

Article source: Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration News, June 4, 2018, edition