Nachrichten HVAC Rooftop Unit Energy Savings
HVAC Rooftop Unit Energy Savings
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA), a collaborative of Northwestern gas utilities, is working together to initiate natural gas market transformation in the region. In January, this natural gas collaborative began piloting commercially available high-efficiency rooftop HVAC units in four sites across the Northwest. These units incorporate condensing technology commonly found in non-rooftop natural gas applications for use in commercial spaces such as hotels, retailers and restaurants.
Reznor Model RHH condensing, 90+% efficiency, gas heating, makeup air, rooftop unit (pictured right) has been selected for this program.
The goal of this pilot is to test the heating performance of these HVAC units in various Northwestern climates using up to 100% outside air. The study will measure energy savings, provide an early assessment of product marketability and identify any barriers to getting this product adopted into the market.
“We are eager to test the performance of these rooftop units in a real-life installation within our service territory. The lack of a high-efficiency equivalent to the standard-efficiency rooftop HVAC unit has been a consistent concern among our commercial customers. We’re hoping this unit will help alleviate that gap in availability for our natural gas customers aiming to reduce their energy use.”
Monica Cowlishaw – Manager, Energy Efficiency & Community Outreach
Cascade Natural Gas Corporation
Going into the pilot, the collaborative expects energy savings of 10-15% from these units. The pilot will run through the heating season of January to May 2016, with initial results expected in the fall.