SEDAC QUICK TIPS
Operations and maintenance: the secret to RCx success
Buildings participating in Retro-commissioning (RCx) can expect annual energy savings on average of 16%. In addition, retro-commissioning projects take a year, on average, to pay back. What's the key to RCx success? RCx focuses on
operations and maintenance improvements, often requiring less capital investment to achieve significant savings.
Here are a few typical operations and maintenance recommendations identified in the RCx process. Even if you are not retro-commissioning your building, these measures can save you substantial energy and money.
- HVAC setpoints and controls. Calibrate the indoor and outdoor building sensors. Calibration of room thermostats, duct thermostats, humidistats, as well as pressure and temperature sensors should be in accordance with original design specifications. Adjust building controls and setpoints to meet building needs. Equipment schedules should reflect occupancy, which may change over time.
- Lighting controls and maintenance. Make sure lighting controls and sensors are functioning according to design specifications, and that light level is appropriate. Follow a strategic lighting maintenance plan of scheduled relamping and fixture cleaning.
- Equipment tune-up and maintenance. Conduct a boiler tune-up and steam trap maintenance. Maintain cooling towers, clean air cooled condenser coils, and replace refrigerant filters as needed.
- Envelope maintenance. Reduce heating and cooling loss by locating and sealing all air leaks in the windows, doors, walls, and roofs, and ensuring insulation levels are maintained according to design specifications.
