ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced that 1,227 projects across New York State in its 2013 HVAC Business Partners program reduced energy use by more than 1.5 GWh. The HVAC Business Partners program has more than doubled its 2013 project goal for implementing the national ANSI/ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180 for Quality Maintenance (Standard 180 for QM).
The HVAC Business Partners program trains and enables commercial HVAC contractors to profit from expanded business models that provide credible energy efficiency project development, and addresses primary factors affecting their customers’ HVAC operations and business decisions. The program helps these contractors understand customer decision-making processes while providing a full suite of marketing materials and support to help differentiate the Business Partners from their competition.
Contractors participating in the HVAC Business Partners program completed 1,227 Quality Maintenance projects in 2013, more than doubling the 600-project goal for the year. In addition, 116 technicians were trained, nearly twice the original target of 60, and 34 new partners joined the program, four more than the target.
In total, HVAC Business Partners provided services on more than 9,600 tons of rooftop air conditioning equipment, resulting in a savings of 1.53 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity. The savings is equivalent to the amount of electricity used by almost 300 average-sized homes annually.
NYSERDA’s Business Partners are trained to provide commercial HVAC diagnostic and inspection services that meet the requirements of Standard 180 for Quality Maintenance (QM). The partners use a detailed QM checklist with specialized diagnostic tools to measure, diagnose and remedy refrigerant charge and airflow conditions in HVAC systems. This thorough approach ensures that each component and process functions optimally and contributes to the efficient operation of the entire HVAC system. These systems, when correctly maintained, are more efficient and have lower operating costs. A proactive maintenance plan also means fewer emergency calls for repair.
The trained technicians ensure that all major parts of the air conditioning system are cleaned, repaired or corrected, and that standing water is removed. This process reduces the risk of passing on airborne contaminants such as mold, mildew, and pollen.
The HVAC Business Partners program is part of NYSERDA’s strategy to train and enable commercial contractors to benefit from expanded business models that provide effective and credible energy-efficiency project development and to increase these firms’ awareness of NYSERDA programs and opportunities. For additional information on NYSERDA’s HVAC Business Partners program, visit: http://nyserda.ny.gov/hvac. HVAC firms interested in becoming a NYSERDA Business Partner should contact NYSERDA at 866/904-8027 or [email protected].
NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect the environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975. Additional information is available at http://nyserda.ny.gov or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram.