RACA Journal April 2020 | Page 35

Associations SAIRAC DBN CENTRE LOOKS AT ENERGY SAVING IN HVAC Compiled by Ntsako Khosa The SAIRAC Durban Centre had a Technical Talk on Energy Saving in HVAC presented by Wayne Muller of Airco. H Recipients of certificates from Left: Gordon Banks as a new member; Tanatsiwa Machuwe as an Associate; Bernie Piras as a Fellow; Shan Reddy as an Associate. example you can look at the EER, which is the ratio of the cooling capacity. The higher the EER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner. The coefficient of performance or COP– that of a heat pump, refrigerator or air conditioning system is a ratio of useful heating or cooling provided to work required is another example. The higher COPs equate to lower operating costs. Lastly, the seasonal efficiency of refrigeration equipment, chillers and air conditioners is often rated by the European seasonal energy eld at the Westville Country Club in February, things were kicked off by introducing new members, handing out certificates and giving a general overview of what can be expected from the Centre this year. Once the formalities were out the way, Muller took to the podium talking about energy saving in the HVAC industry. He gave a brief background to the amount of energy that a building consumes looking at cooling, heating, hot water, refrigeration and fresh air regulations. Reports suggest that load shedding will be around for the next 16 months – businesses are looking at viable solutions and alternatives to survive. “PV systems, energy efficiency, capital costs, service /maintenance, and return on investments are all factors to consider. With the draw of power on a building being 40-50% the HVAC industry is responsible for assisting clients to make wise choices when buying any HVAC system,” Muller said. Government has introduced a minimum energy standard in all electrical appliances, including air-conditioning. The Standard states that the energy consumption or level can’t be anything below a B class energy rating, “But who looks at this?” he asks. Airconditioning split units all now come with an energy rating, for Attendees. www.hvacronline.co.za RACA Journal I April 2020 33