Unlock Savings with SoCalREN’s HVAC Incentives | Part 2
Get ready to supercharge your savings with the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN)! Through the Streamlined Savings Pathway Program, public agencies can now grab fantastic incentives for HVAC equipment. This is your chance to optimize operations, reduce maintenance hassles, and save energy and costs. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity.
A Package Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC) or Heat Pump (PTHP) under 24 kBtu/hr is a self-contained heating and cooling system commonly used in commercial settings such as hotels, hospitals, and apartment buildings. These units are installed through an exterior wall and designed to provide heating and cooling to individual rooms or zones.
The PTAC draws in warm indoor air, passes it over refrigerant-filled coils to absorb heat, and then expels the cooled air back into the room. The absorbed heat is released outside through the condenser coils. In heat pump models, bringing heat into the room is reversed. Some units also have electric resistance heating as a backup for extremely cold conditions1.
Modern PTAC and PTHP units often have high EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, indicating better energy efficiency. Features like programmable thermostats and occupancy sensors optimize the operation of the unit, ensuring it runs only when necessary and at optimal settings3.
A Unitary Air-Cooled Air Conditioner is an HVAC system designed to cool large spaces by removing heat from the indoor air and releasing it outside. These systems are self-contained, meaning all components are housed within a single unit and use air to cool the condenser.
The unit draws in warm indoor air, passes it over refrigerant-filled coils to absorb heat, and then expels the cooled air back into the space. The absorbed heat is released outside through the condenser coils, cooled by outdoor air. Modern unitary air-cooled air conditioners often have high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, which indicate better energy efficiency.
High-efficiency units often require less maintenance and have longer lifespans, reducing overall maintenance costs3. Efficient filtration systems within the unit help improve indoor air quality by removing dust, allergens, and other pollutants3.
Multiple Capacity Unitary Air-Cooled Commercial Air Conditioners between 65 and 240 kBtu/hr are HVAC systems that cool large spaces. These units can operate at different capacities, allowing them to adjust their cooling output based on the current demand.
These air conditioners can modulate their cooling capacity to match the cooling load. This is typically achieved through technologies like variable-speed compressors or multi-stage compressors. The condenser coils are cooled by outdoor air, which is drawn in by fans and passed over the coils to dissipate heat.
By adjusting the cooling capacity to match the demand, these units avoid the inefficiencies associated with constant-speed systems that cycle on and off frequently.
A Packaged Heat Pump Air Conditioner is a self-contained HVAC system that provides both heating and cooling. These units are designed to be installed outdoors, typically on a rooftop or a concrete slab, and they combine the functions of an air conditioner and a heat pump in one package. The term “fuel substitution” refers to the ability of these systems to switch between different energy sources, such as electricity and natural gas, to optimize efficiency and cost savings.
In cooling mode, the heat pump extracts heat from the indoor air and releases it outside. It reverses the process in heating mode, extracting heat from the outdoor air and bringing it inside. Some advanced packaged heat pump units can switch between electric heat pump operation and gas heating. This dual-fuel capability allows the system to use the most efficient and cost-effective energy source based on current conditions1.
Photo Citing: HAVC Measures. 2024 Abbreviated Deemed Measures List, The SoCalREN, 2024. https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:b211007f-c90d-4b24-a58c-c18f873ab9e3. PDF Download.