HVAC+and+Heat+pumps

HVAC Heating and Cooling systems account for about 39% of electrical bills in commercial buildings in the United States.



Heating and cooling is one of many problems that the Open Door Mission faces. Energy efficient HVAC units can reduce the cost of heating and cooling by about 30%-70%. Generally, HVAC bills cost about $2500. With a more efficient HVAC system, the cost would drop dramatically from $2500 to $750. There are three types of HVAC systems. Boilers are used to generate steam by using water, coal or natural gasses. Furnaces heat homes or commercial buildings by using electricity or gasses. The last kind is heat pumps, which can both give heat and take it out. Other solutions to this problem are, passive solar heating, putting glazing on your windows that have a high cooling index, and designing efficient lighting. Heat Pumps Heat pumps are probably the best to use at the Open Door Mission. Then when it gets too hot in there, the HVAC can take over. This reduces the need for the HVAC thus reducing the cost. Heat pumps are basically air conditioners that can work in both directions. They can bring heat in or get it out of a building. The biggest advantage to heat pumps over HVAC is that you don’t have to install separate heating systems. The cost of a heat pump can range from $1500-$2500. I would recommend using an Energy Star approved heat pump. Energy Star approved heat pumps have higher energy efficiency ratios than those without. These are about 9% more efficient than regular units and probably about 20% more efficient than what they have at the Open Door Mission right now. 9% might not seem like a lot but it adds up over time.