Colorado-Real-Estate-Journal_378939

Page 8 — Property Management Quarterly — January 2024 www.crej.com HVAC A s property managers strive to meet tenant needs, meet performance requirements, manage budgets, etc., it is crucial to have an HVAC partner, not just a provider. In this article, we will delve into key con- siderations for property managers when planning HVAC upgrades, with a focus on obtaining best value, energy efficiency, effective communication, and equipment upgrades. n Energy-efficiency goals. Energize Denver and Colorado’s Building Per- formance Program have been hot topics over the past year. It’s impor- tant that as a building owner or property manager you understand these new building performance requirements. Hiring a local part- ner provides an opportunity to get ahead of these requirements. n Energy audits and assess- ments. Before embarking on HVAC upgrades, conduct a thorough ener- gy audit to identify opportunities to improve inefficiency. This assess- ment will pinpoint opportunities for improvement and guide the selec- tion of upgrades that align with energy-efficiency goals. Collaborate with certified energy auditors to ensure accurate evaluations. This is a requirement for any equipment upgrades where more than one piece of HVAC equip- ment is being replaced. This rule is enforced for pulling permits on Colorado buildings 50,000 square feet or larger, and buildings with a footprint of 25,000 sf or larger in the city and county of Denver. Consult with an accredited firm from the state of Colorado website to learn about your energy use intensity goals. The city and state will be implement- ing large fines on buildings that do not meet their EUI targets, so do your research today. n Smart HVAC controls. Imple- menting smart HVAC controls can significantly enhance energy efficiency. Smart thermostats, for instance, allow for precise tempera- ture control and scheduling, opti- mizing energy consumption. These controls can be integrated into a centralized management system, providing property managers with real-time data and insights. Working with a controls contrac- tor, you can set up occupied and unoccupied schedules so that your equipment is only providing com- fort cooling when your space is occupied. This will directly lower your energy bills because your building consumes less energy. n Energy-efficient equipment. Con- sider replacing outdated HVAC equipment with energy-efficient models. High-efficiency furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps can substantially reduce energy consumption while maintaining or even improving overall perfor- mance. Look for equipment with the Energy Star label, indicating compliance with strict energy-effi- ciency guidelines. Many property managers are now looking into variant refrigerant flow systems and dual-fuel heat pumps (an electric heat pump with a gas heat back up for days where the temperature drops below the range the heat pump runs efficiently) as options for replacing existing roof- top units. These types of equipment investments substantially cut down on energy usage, which are help- ing building owners reach their EUI goals outlined by the state. n Tenant engagement. Effective communication with tenants is vital during HVAC upgrades. Keep resi- dents informed about the upcoming changes, potential disruptions, and the benefits they can expect. Utilize newsletters, emails, and community meetings to create awareness and set expectations. n Regular updates. Provide regular updates to your occupants on the progress of HVAC upgrades. Trans- parency builds trust among ten- ants and minimizes concerns about potential inconveniences. Clearly communicate any temporary dis- ruptions and outline the long-term benefits of the upgrades, such as improved indoor air quality and reduced utility costs. n Collaboration with contractors. Establish clear lines of communica- tion with HVAC contractors. Regu- lar meetings and progress reports ensure that everyone is on the same page, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings. Encourage con- tractors to communicate directly with tenants when necessary, keep- ing them informed about specific timelines and any actions required on their part. ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Con- ditioning Engineers) provides guide- lines and recommendations for the life expectancy of HVAC equipment. These guidelines are crucial for building owners, facility managers, and HVAC professionals to plan for system replacements, upgrades and maintenance effectively. It’s impor- tant to note that actual equipment life can vary based on factors such as maintenance practices, operat- ing conditions, and technological advancements. n Rooftop units. ASHRAE provides a general life expectancy of 15 years for rooftop units, which are com- monly used in commercial HVAC systems. Proper maintenance, including inspections and cleaning, is essential for extending the life of RTUs. n Chillers. The life expectancy of chillers depends on factors such as type, size and maintenance. Accord- ing to ASHRAE, centrifugal chillers have an average lifespan of 20 to 25 years, while absorption chillers may last 25 years or more. Regular main- tenance, water treatment and prop- er operation contribute to extended chiller life. n Controls and building automation systems. ASHRAE does not pro- vide specific guidelines for the life expectancy of controls and build- ing automation systems. However, advancements in technology may lead to the need for upgrades or Navigate HVAC upgrades: A comprehensive guide Jessica Kash Senior service account manager, MTech Mechanical Please see Kash, Page 13