The Energy Efficiency Benefits of Air Handling Units

Introduction

Air handling units (AHUs) are essential components of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. They are responsible for circulating and conditioning the air inside a building to create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. AHUs are also becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency benefits, which can lead to significant cost savings for building owners and operators.

How Air Handling Units Work

An AHU typically consists of four main components: a filter, a heat exchanger, a fan, and a coil. The filter removes impurities from the incoming air, such as dust, pollen, and other particles. The heat exchanger, also known as a cooling or heating coil, transfers heat from the incoming air to the outgoing air, depending on the desired temperature. The fan then circulates the conditioned air throughout the building, and the coil helps to control the humidity levels.

Energy Efficiency Benefits

AHUs offer several energy efficiency benefits, which can lead to significant cost savings for building owners and operators.

Heating and Cooling

One of the main energy efficiency benefits of AHUs is their ability to heat and cool the air more efficiently. The heat exchanger, or cooling/heating coil, in an AHU is designed to transfer heat from the incoming air to the outgoing air with minimal energy loss. This means that the air inside the building can be heated or cooled more quickly and efficiently, which can lead to significant energy savings.

Filtering and Purifying

Another energy efficiency benefit of AHUs is their ability to filter and purify the air. The filter in an AHU removes impurities from the incoming air, such as dust, pollen, and other particles. This not only improves the air quality inside the building but also reduces the workload on the HVAC system, which can lead to energy savings.

Variable Speed Drives

Many modern AHUs also come equipped with variable speed drives (VSDs). These devices allow the fan to operate at different speeds, depending on the amount of air that needs to be circulated. This can lead to energy savings by reducing the amount of energy used to circulate air when it is not needed.

Cost Savings

The energy efficiency benefits of AHUs can lead to significant cost savings for building owners and operators. By reducing energy consumption, building owners can expect to see a reduction in their energy bills. Additionally, the improved air quality and reduced workload on the HVAC system can also lead to a reduction in maintenance costs.

Conclusion

Air handling units are an essential component of HVAC systems and offer several energy efficiency benefits that can lead to significant cost savings for building owners and operators. These benefits include more efficient heating and cooling, improved air quality, and reduced maintenance costs. Building owners and operators looking to improve their energy efficiency should consider investing in an AHU.