Retrotec USACE - Manual (Page 96)

74 ENERGY & PROCESS ASSESSMENT PROTOCOL
1.3.2 HVAC System Considerations
The building ventilation system provides fresh air for the occupants and to
satisfy any process needs. Air is removed from the building to exhaust un-
wanted odors, process contaminants, heat, and gases. The supply air is heated
or cooled to provide a comfortable building environment. Often slightly more
supply air is brought into the building than is exhausted to provide a small
positive pressure. This positive pressure reduces the amount of outside air that
infi ltrates into the building through cracks in the building envelope. The result
is a proper building air balance (Figure 23). Table 2 lists several things to con-
sider in evaluating a ventilation system for waste and ineffi ciencies.
Figure 23. Building HVAC.
Heating, cooling, and humidity control systems maintain the indoor environ-
ment at safe and comfortable levels. These systems interact with the building’s
envelope to achieve the desired conditions (Figure 23). An evaluation will reveal
any of a number of causes of waste and ineffi ciencies in the HVAC systems. The
building ventilation system provides fresh air for the occupants and to satisfy pro-
cess needs. Air is removed from the building to exhaust unwanted odors, process
contaminants, heat, and gases. The supply air is heated or cooled to provide a
comfortable building environment. Often slightly more supply air is brought into
the building than is exhausted to provide a small positive pressure. This positive
pressure redu es the amount of outside air that infi ltrates into the building through
cracks in the building envelope. The result is a proper building air balance. Pos-
sible causes or problems with the HVAC system are listed in Table 2.