Mechanical Testing, Inc.
Call us today!
1.518.450.7292
Seven ways to bring in fresh air to your commercial building without breaking the bank.

Seven ways to bring in fresh air to your commercial building without breaking the bank.

Introducing fresh air into a commercial building can be a challenging task, especially when energy efficiency is a key concern. But there are ways to do it that we wanted to share.

  1. Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV): These systems exchange the energy contained in the outgoing stale air to warm up or cool down the incoming fresh air. This can significantly cut down the energy costs associated with heating or cooling the new air.

  2. Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV): DCV systems use sensors to measure the occupancy and/or the air quality of different parts of a building and then adjust the ventilation rates accordingly. This ensures that fresh air is only brought in when and where it's needed, reducing unnecessary energy usage.

  3. High-Efficiency HVAC Systems: Consider investing in high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. While this might require a higher upfront investment, the energy savings over time can be substantial.

  4. Maintain your HVAC system: Regular maintenance of your HVAC system can also lead to energy savings. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters, checking for leaks in the ductwork, and regular inspection and maintenance of the HVAC equipment.

  5. Optimize building design: Building design plays a crucial role in ensuring good ventilation and energy efficiency. Consider factors such as building orientation, shading, window glazing, thermal insulation, and use of passive solar design elements.

  6. Upgrade to Smart Controls: Automating your building's HVAC system with smart controls can help you achieve more precise control over temperature and air quality, resulting in better energy efficiency.

  7. Natural Ventilation: This involves using windows, doors, vents, and other openings to allow outdoor air to flow into the building. This doesn't require any energy usage, but the amount of fresh air you get will depend on the weather and the building's design. During favorable weather, natural ventilation can be an effective and energy-efficient solution.

Remember, each building is unique and what works best will depend on factors such as the building's design, location, usage, and the local climate. It's always a good idea to work with a professional to maximize fresh air and savings.


Service Area: HVAC Test and Balance