Numerous companies provide what is commonly known as Facility Condition Assessments (FCA’s). These assessments vary in scope and detail provided, and are an effective financial planning tool for helping the responsible parties assess, track and manage the condition of their facilities. Typically however, these FCA’s do not delve deeply into the facilities’ HVAC system condition, usually just noting the age of the major components and comparing expected life cycles to industry standards. Life expectancies can vary widely in similarly aged systems, but more importantly there is no assessment of the HVAC system’s condition as it relates to energy efficiency.

Assessing the condition of an HVAC system for fiscal planning purposes can become a complex process. Depending upon the type of system the HVAC related energy costs can account for 30-70% of a facility’s total energy expenditures, and therefore should be evaluated from an energy perspective as well as a life expectancy perspective. An underperforming system that can be improved upon, regardless of age, can postpone capital outlays for many years.

Energy-Environment-Economics can provide a low-cost and detailed evaluation of your HVAC system that will assess not only expected life cycle but also energy performance and maintenance practices and needs. The performance of the HVAC system will be compared to systems of similar types, sizes and requirements that will provide planners with a clear picture of immediate and future needs. The performance of the system can also be a valuable negotiating tool in the procurement of buildings or agreeing to lease terms.

Energy-Environment-Economics can provide varying levels of professional assessments, all tailored to your specific needs, goals and budgets. Including:

• Expected life cycles of major HVAC system components
• Condition assessment of the Energy Management System
• Maintenance deficiencies and needs
• Refrigerant management issues
• Greenhouse Gas (GHG) assessment
• Energy efficiency benchmarking
• Performance improvement opportunities
• Deficiency correction cost estimating