HVAC Zone Scheduling reduces utility cost

Zone scheduling in an HVAC system is a very effective way to cut utility usage and overall cost of operating the system. Switching a zone within a building to unoccupied when it isn’t being used reduces the demand on air handlers and related systems to provide temperature control to the space.

Most organizations have some type of scheduling for room usage to keep overlapping of usage. These scheduling systems can be used by the energy management program to implement zone schedules. When areas are not being used it is an advantage to set those spaces to unoccupied and capture the energy savings associated with it.

Effectively heating or cooling a zone requires a specific amount of air flow. Moving air requires horsepower from the air handler supply fan and related systems. By reducing the need for air flow, we effectively reduce the need of horsepower to move that air. Zone scheduling also reduces the amount of load on heating and cooling systems as well.

Modern building automation systems allow a lot of flexibility in zone scheduling. These systems give the user the ability to easily set up areas for occupancy based on a lot of factors including date, day of week and many other options. It is easy to interlock zone schedules with other types of control systems to increase overall building efficiency.

It is important to get the entire organization involved in understanding the purpose and importance of scheduling usage. Communicating the positive impact of zone scheduling is important to getting the support you will need.

One of the issues that must be overcome is when a space is used without someone making sure it has been scheduled. Occupants can easily walk into a room that is uncomfortable. Frequent reminders are important until everyone begins to understand it is a critical part of their work.