If your facility is using a traditional ventilation system, the system will operate at a consistent ventilation rate (preset rate of outside air constantly brought into the space) based on an assumed level of occupancy. Consistency is good, unless building occupancy fluctuates drastically throughout the day, greatly reducing efficiency.
Many commercial facilities utilize demand controlled ventilation (DCV) to provide the right amount of fresh air at the right time, minimizing energy usage and reducing operating costs. Office buildings, schools, retail and industrial facilities can all benefit from demand controlled ventilation.
What is Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV)?
DCV uses various sensors to monitor and measure selected variables such as temperature, motion detection, humidity, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, etc. These sensors provide real-time feedback to a zone controller which adjusts the ventilation rate accordingly.
Advantages of Demand Controlled Ventilation
- Reducing air flow when building occupancy is low will yield significant energy savings.
- DCV improves your indoor air quality (IAQ).
- Optimizing efficiency reduces maintenance costs and extends the life of your system.
- Consuming fewer resources will lessen your negative impact upon the environment.
Would My Facility Benefit from Demand Controlled Ventilation?
If your facility has a traditional HVAC system, expanded operating hours, or fluctuating occupancy, DCV may prove beneficial for you. DCV is also an excellent choice for buildings in which a frequent source of pollution must be removed from the air quickly, using a greatly increased ventilation rate.
Demand controlled ventilation has the ability to improve your bottom line as well as your facility’s indoor air quality. To learn more about how to modify your existing system and/or incorporate DCV into your next project or your own office, contact a member of the BCH team today. We can provide upfront cost and payback analysis to determine if DCV makes sense for you.
BCH Mechanical has been a trusted name in Florida construction since 1976, delivering innovative design, high quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service. BCH capabilities include HVAC, plumbing, medical gas, piping, sheet metal, LEED, Design/Build, 3D-CAD/BIM coordination, and HVAC service. Visit BCH on the web: www.bchmechanical.com.