Do your utility costs seem unreasonably high? A number of factors could be causing this. We can find the problem and we can fix it.

RetroCommissioning identifies areas for performance improvement in existing facilities’ equipment and systems and adjusts this performance to improve efficiency.

Issues That May Indicate it’s Time to RetroCommission
  • Feeling cold drafts
  • Seeing frost on the walls
  • Equipment is operating more than needed
  • Equipment has dampers propped open or held shut
  • Complaints from occupants regarding areas of the building are too hot and others are too cold
  • Building occupants seem overly tired and sluggish or unproductive in the middle of the day
  • Air in the building is smelly and stale
  • Lights in some areas seem too bright or too dim causing eye strain or headaches for some
  • Unusually high utility costs
  • Building equipment is more than 10-15 years old
  • HVAC systems are pneumatic
  • Building equipment has outlived its life expectancy according to ASHRAE standards

Benefits of RetroCommissioning
  • Equipment and systems that operate efficiently
  • Money savings due to lower operating costs
  •  Healthier and more comfortable environment for occupants
  •  A better working, learning, or healing environment for building occupants
  • A plan for future facility needs
Retro Commissioning Services

Commercial Energy Audits
Define energy saving opportunities through process, equipment, and facility audits

Building Problem Analysis
Diagnose, data log, and correct building or equipment issues and provide solutions

Performance & Capacity Testing
Test equipment performance to ensure it is operating the way it was designed to operate and that it is operating as efficiently as possible

Utility Rebate Programs
Receive rebates and incentives from utility companies by complying with their energy-saving criteria such as selecting from recommended equipment for new construction

 

What EAPC’s Rigorous and Comprehensive Approach Entails

Our team analyzes a building’s operating and maintenance systems to identify deficiencies and potential optimization of energy-consuming systems and related controls. We do this by following these essential steps:

  • Tour the facility
  • Understand the owner’s concerns
  • Define a scope for the study
  • Create a timeline of dates and milestones
  • Review and copy building plans
  • Review operation and maintenance manuals
  • Perform a building survey of all spaces
  • Perform functional testing of all applicable equipment using the Building Automation System or Direct Digital Control System
  • Verify sequences of operations and points list for all systems
  • Perform data logging and carbon dioxide testing (CO2)
  • Perform a lighting survey
  • Provide a commissioning report detailing all issues and deficiencies, age of equipment, life expectancy, recommendations or resolutions, and identified savings
  • Provide a Facilities Improvement Measures Matrix including a list of issues and associated costs of fixing
  • Assist in implementing corrective actions, operational and maintenance improvements, and energy conservation measures that optimize existing equipment and produce sustainable reductions in energy consumption and demand
  • Review rebate options and opportunities

 

Added Savings with Rebate Programs

No matter what utility company services your area, EAPC will utilize any rebate and incentive programs available to help you save the maximum dollar amount possible. The following is a list of changes that quality for rebates when implemented:

Switch to LED Lighting
LED bulbs use 85% less energy and last about 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs

Replace Motors
Motors can account for up to 50% of the total electricity costs in commercial buildings

Install Adjustable Speed Drives
ASDs modify or control motor operation to improve performance and energy efficiency in drive systems

Switch to Energy Efficient Refrigeration
Refrigeration accounts for at least 16-18% of energy use. Switching to more energy-efficient equipment can make a noticeable impact on your monthly operating costs

Case Study

EAPC RetroCommissioned the HVAC system at Bemidji Middle School in Bemidji, MN. After implementing EAPC’s recommendations, the school now saves approximately $53,000 each year in utility costs and also received more than $60,000 in rebates from their utility company.

EAPC also RetroCommissioned the Mechanical, Electrical, and Lighting Systems at Bemidji High School and provided facility improvement measures that, if implemented, could result in a total projected annual savings of over $144,600 in the school’s utility costs.

 

Why Use EAPC RetroCommissioning Services at Your Facility?

RetroCommissioning serves to improve the way your equipment and systems work. Some issues may date back to the building’s design or its construction. Other issues may have development over time. No matter where the issues lie, through a complete review of your building, our team can uncover the problems and offer recommendations for correction.

The mechanical, electrical, and controls systems in commercial buildings often experience changes in operation and occupancy which compromise performance.

Moreover, the complex control systems in modern buildings can create a ripple effect―small causes can have large effects on how your building operates.

Some buildings have never undergone any type of commissioning. Even buildings that are sustainably designed and well-built eventually suffer performance issues. The bottom line is inefficient operating systems will result in wasted energy, wasted maintenance, and wasted money.

We also provide

New Construction Commissioning ReCommissioning