Upgrading or replacing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is one of the most cited energy improvements hospital executives are implementing, 37% according to a Health Facilities Management 2011 survey. It’s no surprise either as enhancing these systems are tried-and-true methods of generating cost savings as well as promoting patient care.
Hospitals consume massive amounts of energy, ranking second as the most energy intensive commercial building, 2.5 times the energy intensity and CO2 emissions of commercial office buildings. A large part of the energy usage is through HVAC systems which serve a plethora of vital functions, including: regulating building temperature and humidity, room pressure and airflow, filtering and controlling for pathogens and contaminants.
The replacement of a broad range of HVAC systems and related equipment reduces operating costs while improving patient comfort and system reliability. HVAC systems play the largest role in maintaining indoor air quality which helps control gaseous indoor emissions and volatile organic compounds. This makes for a healthy, safe and patient friendly environment.
3 Ways to Optimize HVAC Performance:
1. Reduce HVAC use in unoccupied areas. When areas are in low use or not being occupied, a lower air-quality and temperature are required, such as in operating rooms which have particular temperature and humidity thresholds during surgery. I suggest exploring options for energy efficient scheduling including: setbacks, start-stop settings and temperature resets complementing outside conditions.
2. Install variable frequency drivers on fan motors. In areas that require low ventilation, a variable air volume system regulates airflow due to demands of the space unlike a constant air volume system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy report this can reduce power use in fans by 50%.
3. Consider upgrading to displacement ventilation (DV). Unlike a traditional overhead ventilation system, DV supplies a steady flow of cool air at the floor level which, through upward convective flow, carries heat and contaminants towards the ceiling exhaust. DV reduces ventilation air change per hour and chiller lift, improving efficiency and energy savings.
Elizabethtown Community Hospital located in New York made great strides when they overhauled their HVAC system. After a comprehensive energy analysis, decisions were made to install a high efficiency boiler and chiller, cooling tower and supportive components as well as replace old air handling units and add variable speed drives. Expected savings on a per square foot basis are $1.41, a 30% energy cost reduction.
To maximize existing facility capital, budgeting for energy improvement measures is crucial for the future stability of a hospital and the health of its patients.
James Ellis, CEO, Health Care Realty Development Company, is a nationally recognized successful real estate investor and developer of medical office properties with a comprehensive knowledge of sophisticated real estate transactions, cost effective designs, and efficient property management.
Aaron Razavi is Associate Marketing Director at Health Care Realty Development.
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