MORE EFFICIENCY FOR THE MONEY

One of the most immediate paybacks for retailers and restaurants is the improvement of building energy efficiency. Many restaurants can reduce their utility costs 10 to 30 percent without sacrificing customer service or comfort…and cutting energy expenses just 10 percent can boost a discount retailer’s net profit margins as much as 1.55 percent.*

Here’s a good place to start: Dirty evaporator coils, condenser coils and filters reduce HVAC performance and life expectancy, and an improper refrigerant charge can damage an air conditioner’s compressor, increasing electric costs. Scheduling regular maintenance at the beginning and the middle of the cooling and heating seasons helps get the best performance out of an existing HVAC system.

Even better: Installing a high-efficiency, ENERGY STAR® qualified rooftop unit system can save a business $3 to $4/sq.ft. over the life of the equipment—up to $48,000 for a 12,000-sq.-ft. building.*

And the best: If cash is tight, an HVAC equipment lease program can help businesses take advantage of improved energy efficiency without a large upfront expense.

When weighing how much to pay for a system that provides lower energy costs, remember that many utility companies are actively trying to reduce peak demand and offer rebates on higher-efficiency equipment.

The highest-efficiency equipment usually means the highest rebate. Find energy-efficiency incentives online at www.dsireusa.org and from utility members of the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE). Visit www.CEE1.org.

And look for a system that provides both a high EER/SEER rating (to operate efficiently during the peak cooling season) and a high IEER/IPLV rating (to operate efficiently during the milder months). A rooftop unit with a high EER/SEER and high IEER/IPLV rating means the unit provides a total efficiency solution that operates efficiently year-round.

The right kind of right-sizing

Your building’s current HVAC system may be larger than what is really necessary, especially if load reduction measures have already been implemented, such as installing cooler, more-efficient office equipment and lighting.

Over-sizing rooftop units not only costs more initially but also can have a negative effect on comfort because larger units will cycle more often and remove less moisture. Selecting a unit that is the correct size for the application is vital. If you’re unsure, a Lennox representative can provide details about calculating which RTUs are right for a specific building.

Reduce expenses by increasing stages

Installing a high-efficiency Strategos™ rooftop unit with the MSAV™ supply fan option helps assure that only the necessary amount of cooling is provided. If you haven’t seen the video that demonstrates the energy savings the Strategos line of rooftop units offers, watch it here now and download the product brochure.

*EnergyStar.gov