Thames Valley firm promises £2m energy savings 10 July 2013

Facilities throughout the Thames Valley region are paying too much in energy bills and maintenance costs to keep their HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) equipment running effectively.

That's the claim by Richard Betts, managing director of RAB Specialist Engineers, who says that, simply by fitting a new external air filtration device to their air handling equipment, many could save more than £2m.

Made from a washable polypropylene material, the filter screens can be fitted over air intake equipment to act as primary pre-filtration defence, he explains.

The Newbury-based start-up firm, which provides consultancy and air handling engineering services to the building services sector, says projected savings are based on figures representing just 50% of the number of businesses occupying the 12 million ft2 of office space currently available in the Thames Valley region.

Airborne debris – such as domestic waste, carrier bags, leaves, pollen and insects – is the leading cause of fouling and clogging for cooling towers, heat exchangers, air cooled chillers, rooftop units and other HVAC systems, according to Betts.

"Our research shows that when air handling equipment becomes clogged up with debris, internal components, such as dirty condenser or evaporator coils, restrict the airflow through the equipment and increase the amount of energy required by compressor motors to maintain optimum performance," he says.

"When you consider the cost of maintaining HVAC equipment that hasn't been fitted with air intake filter screens, in terms of servicing time and replacement parts, then the screens make financial sense," he continues.

"Typically, businesses will see a return on investment in less than two years."

Brian Tinham

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RAB Specialist Engineers

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