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1. High efficiency heating and cooling equipment
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- Units with a high SEER or EER rating.
- High-efficient units have features such as thermal expansion valves, multi-stage compressors, high-efficiency fan motors, and variable speed fans.
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2.Proper installation of HVAC systems
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- Properly sized heating and cooling equipment. Oversized equipment is much less efficient and does a poorer job of maintaining comfort.
- Properly sized ducts that are insulated and sealed with mastic for minimal air leakage. Make sure the airflow in the building is balanced to design specifications.
- Equipment checked for proper airflow and refrigerant charge per manufacturers’ recommendations.
- Avoid using building cavities for return air passages. The cavity is under negative air pressure when used as a return air passage. The negative pressure will draw air into the building through any leaks in the envelope. Indications are that this may significantly reduce the performance of HVAC systems.
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3. Install an economizer
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- Cool the building with outdoor air when temperatures are mild.
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4. Reduce cooling load
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- Insulate ceilings and attics.
- Install low-e windows, or internal or external window shades.
- Use energy-efficient lighting to reduce internal heat gain.
- Turn off office equipment evenings and weekends.
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5. Use energy management controls
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- Programmable thermostats.
- Programmable time clocks, or computerized energy management systems (EMS) for more sophisticated controls.
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6. Preventive maintenance
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- Change filters every month or more often if conditions dictate.
- Check annually for refrigerant charge, loose electrical connections and dirt buildup on coils.
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