A more efficient, better-maintained HVAC system, which typically accounts for about 40% of a commercial building’s energy consumption, will lead to lower energy bills, according to PECI.

California’s commercial HVAC industry, typically beset by off-season dips, is getting some stability and stimulation with a new program from Southern California Edison, based in Rosemead, CA. The program, called HVAC Optimization, is specifically designed to increase contractor workflow and revenue while lowering SCE’s commercial customers’ energy consumption and offsetting maintenance costs with incentives.

HVAC Optimization is a next-generation commercial rooftop-HVAC maintenance program that allows participating contractors to bring a customer’s rooftop HVAC unit up to a baseline operating condition and maintain it with the ”dynamic tasking” outlined in a three-year service agreement defined by ACCA/ASHRAE Standard 180. SCE provides training for contractors (as well as their technicians, sales and administrative staff) on Standard 180, and provides tools to help them market the program to their customers.

By increasing per-unit maintenance and providing a clearly defined, long-term maintenance agreement with their customers, HVAC Optimization aims to help smooth out seasonal workload fluctuation and increase revenue opportunities for contractors.

A more efficient, better-maintained HVAC system, which typically accounts for about 40% of a commercial building’s energy consumption, will lead to lower energy bills. It also can lead to longer equipment life, increased system reliability, better IAQ and a reduced overall carbon footprint.

As a framework, HVAC Optimization uses Standard 180, written by ASHRAE and ACCA and accredited by ANSI: a universal standard for HVAC maintenance created by a team of industry experts from around the world. The intent of Standard 180 is to move HVAC performance further down the road of energy efficiency.

Supporters of Standard 180 and HVAC Optimization come from every corner of the industry: contractors, labor unions, professional organizations, standards committees and customers.

“I am delighted with a program based upon ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180, which is the professional maintenance standard as defined by our industry’s governing technical body and recognized by the world’s leading standards organization, ANSI,” said Michael Gallagher, PE and Vice President of Western Allied Corp. in Santa Fe Springs, CA.

Questions/Answers
RSES Journal asked Emily Pearce, Senior Program Manager, PECI (an organization dedicated to setting trends and accelerating new technology adoption to make buildings smarter and more efficient), a few follow-up questions after the above information was released. Following are her responses.

RSES Journal: Is this program preparing contractors (and business owners) for a potential state-mandated efficiency requirement or is this already related to mandates presently in effect?
Emily Pearce: It’s up to the state to decide what is mandated for efficiency requirements. The HVAC Optimization program is the result of collaboration between SCE, HVAC contractors, industry leaders, using ACCA, ANSI and ASHRAE industry standards. The intent of the program is to allow HVAC contractors to bring their customers’ rooftop HVAC units up to the baseline prescribed by Standard 180.

The program uses Standard 180 as a framework. Standard 180 was conceived and tested by ASHRAE, ACCA and ANSI and represents the highest available standard for HVAC maintenance. The program addresses utilities’ needs to meet efficiency goals set by the commission.

RJ: Do you foresee the rest of the nation adopting similar programs as a result of this one?
EP: Absolutely. The value for contractors and customers is simply too high to ignore. The program calls for Maintenance Plans that allow contractors to increase the level of per-unit maintenance, increasing workflow and revenue. Customers get more reliable HVAC systems, lower repair costs, reduced energy costs and smaller carbon footprints. HVAC Optimization sets the bar higher than any other available HVAC maintenance program.

RJ: Specifically in what ways would this program “help smooth out seasonal workload fluctuation”?
EP: The Maintenance Plan contractors develop with their customers allows them to schedule work more frequently at times that are most convenient. This allows contractors to pre-schedule work during times of the year when a contractor’s workload typically dips. The benefit works both ways: Technicians can stay employed through the “non-HVAC” seasons, and customers get quality maintenance year round.

RJ: Will the SCE also be marketing this program or will they strictly be working through contractors/technicians?
EP: SCE has developed a marketing plan for the program which is already in progress. We’re already spreading the word to potential customers that HVAC Optimization can provide increased system reliability, fewer urgent service calls leading to lower repair costs and lower energy bills.

For more information on the HVAC Optimization program, visit www.hvacoptimization.com. To learn more about PECI and its role in this and other efficiency programs, visit www.peci.org.