Energy Efficiency By Patrick Driscoll
Photos: Corey Hochachka
ON THE
Front Line Mechanical contractors are on the front line of energy efficiency. No other trades have the ability to make a greater impact on the reduction of energy usage.
W
hen constructing mechanical systems in either a new build or retrofit, contractors have the ability to greatly influence energy efficiency early on. Working closely with builders during the planning stage offers us the opportunity to make suggestions that can reduce the amount of energy a building consumes. For example, encouraging builders to take a second look at material choices, like upgrading to low-E triple-pane, argon-filled windows with specialized solarreducing film can significantly reduce the mechanical load of a heating and cooling system. This can have a large impact on the ability of a building to retain the desired temperature – the ultimate goal of any mechanical system. Once the builder or general contractor has done their part we can do ours, presenting options to clients that reduce the size and cost of mechanical systems. An oversized or incorrectly installed heating and cooling system can create massive inefficiencies and prove to be a wasted investment.
STAYING CURRENT
Contractors often get comfortable with one or two product lines. The pricing is good, technicians are comfortable installing it, and it has been reliable over the years, but this can mean emerging technologies and products get overlooked.
S u p p l e m e n t
Mistakes can happen easily when installing complex systems that integrate boilers, controls and technologies like solar thermal products. It is not uncommon to see a minor piping error drastically reduce or counteract the energy efficiency that a system is designed to achieve.
Systems can be basic or complex, but if they are well thought-out and tidy, clients will no longer be afraid to walk into mechanical rooms. This promotes maintenance, visual checks and a healthy system.
It is worth exploring new technologies regularly, even if you choose not to use them. Meeting with suppliers, understanding how energy efficiency ratings work, and reading about new innovations and projects is a great way to keep current.
W H A T
In many cases, clients don’t realize that energy efficiencies only remain high when regular maintenance is performed. It is crucial to make sure they know that upkeep and regular monitoring is what ensures that energy bills remain low, and costly problems don’t arise.
When installing new, complex systems, it can be beneficial to circle back with the client in a month or two. Ask to see their utility bill, and look for spikes in gas or electricity usage. Seeing an abnormality in these documents will be a clue that something may be wrong. When problem solving, evaluate the system, bring in a second set of eyes, and trace back those pipes.
Products like ECM circulators and mod-con boilers have made huge advances in recent years. Not only are they much more affordable, but the return on investment is quicker than ever before. Calculating return on investment, especially in jurisdictions that have a carbon tax, can often be a measure that clients identify with.
54
MAINTAINING EFFICIENCY
Patrick Driscoll is the CEO of Ironclad Mechanical Plumbing & Heating in Edmonton, Alta. He can be reached at patrickdriscoll@ironcladmechanical.com.
0 8 . 1 7