Driving Efficiency And Performance

Latest HVAC systems can be integrated early in the design with the help of experts and advanced technology

HVAC units are a major investment that directly affects comfort and ability. New technology makes units 20-60% more efficient than older ones, and this improvement proves positive for the environment as well as for budgets. Good ventilation is vital for circulating fresh air and protecting a building against dampness and condensation. However, unnecessary ventilation can waste energy and cost a lot of money.

Amit Maheshwari, director for marketing and strategy, Carrier Air Conditioning, explains that it also increases a building’s energy consumption and associated carbon emissions. “HVAC systems are a must, especially in Indian buildings. In today’s competitive markets, inefficient energy management systems are almost unheard of.” He adds that architects and facility managers should include HVAC features in their design, before finalising the construction plans for buildings. “Apart from having clarity on energy efficiency, architects should consult and involve HVAC experts, who understand the latest technologies and can implement required systems.”

Indian weather conditions make it important to take into account several factors at the outset of designing buildings (since some factors may have an impact in the near future and others in the long run) to visualise and plan for them, should the situation ever arise. Sanjay Goyal, senior VP and director, Daikin Airconditioning, says, “A building must be designed with a HVAC system, considering overall aesthetics, scalability, comfort for the user, IAQ requirements, among other factors – for it is no longer a luxury but a basic need for effective commercial building design.”