23 Aug What is Retro-Commissioning? Benefits & Why You Need It

As older buildings begin showing their age and energy standards continue rising, energy systems gradually lose their initial efficiency over time. Retro-commissioning offers a solution to restore functionality, enhance infrastructure, and improve indoor conditions while offering cost savings through more efficient operations. In New York City, the procedure is legally mandated under Local Law 87, necessitating a detailed 10-year report for structures over 50,000 square feet to demonstrate compliance. Continue reading to learn more about retro-commissioning, its importance, and its perks.

Understanding the Process of Retro-Commissioning

While new green technology installations can reinvigorate performance, not all property owners have budgets for such substantial investments. Retro-commissioning optimizes operations and trims utility expenses by reducing demand for energy consumption and building usage. With lower demand and smoother functionality, existing assets can last longer before replacement is needed, making tenants more comfortable in the process.

The term “retro-commissioning” contains two key parts: “retro” and “commissioning.” One can define “retro” as pre-existing buildings, while “commissioning” describes making optimizations. Typically, this occurs simultaneously with renovations to ensure new additions achieve outlined efficiency boosts.

Rather than compulsory system replacements, retro-commissioning scrutinizes maintenance and procedures to enhance functionality with existing equipment. Where structures were initially commissioned but degraded over time, retro-commissioning delivers advantages through revised protocols.

An Overview of the Process

So, what is retro-commissioning, and how can it be done? The process typically starts with assessing a building’s current systems and energy usage through in-depth testing and analysis. This energy audit identifies areas for improvement to optimize operations and cut costs. Functional performance tests provide key insights into how HVAC, lighting, and other utilities are operating to develop a customized retrofitting strategy.

For some structures, modifying functions presents a chance to upgrade related ventilation, temperature controls, and lighting systems. The retro-commissioning team pinpoints these targeted enhancements during early planning. Corrective actions are then taken according to the finalized plan.

Malfunctioning equipment may be diagnosed and fixed to boost efficiency. Hiring trained professionals will ensure steady optimization. It often involves minor tech upgrades, such as installing automatic lighting controls. Professionals also look for potential repairs of control components like valves and sensors alongside other solutions tailored to each building’s unique profile.

Retro-Commissioning Benefits

Older buildings especially require retro-commissioning to harness significant energy cost cuts. For instance, those implementing efficiency retrofits often slash expenditures by 30% or more. While monetary savings are paramount, several other retro-commissioning benefits emerge from optimizing building performance.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality can sharply decline when the building lacks proper ventilation, humidity control, air filtration, or air purification. Retro-commissioning may undertake measures to substantially boost the performance of the HVAC system to far surpass ventilation rates and humidity control as originally intended for better air quality for all building occupants.

Better Temperature Comfort

Maintaining temperature regulation saves energy costs. However, occupants may not feel the improvement in comfort unless the HVAC system appropriately circulates the heated or cooled air uniformly around the entire building. Inefficient systems can create pockets of hot or cold air in various locations throughout the building. A more efficient system will significantly reduce these uncomfortably imbalanced areas, helping every person in the building to feel much more at ease wherever they conduct their tasks.

Greater Productivity or Safety

When tenants in a building feel notably more comfortable, they can have higher levels of productivity. Improving heating and cooling levels allows for considerably greater productivity in properties. A lighting retrofit is also vitally important for sustaining the security of all those in a building. Dim lighting can obscure obstacles, heightening the probability of accidents. Appropriate lighting, wherever necessary, makes everyone in a building safer by assisting them in seeing potential barriers before they encounter them.

Extended Equipment Life

When HVAC systems or lighting operate inefficiently, the lifespan of the equipment reduces significantly. For instance, an HVAC system that has to function continuously or that has frequent component switching to maintain a particular temperature will wear out much sooner than a system that has stable operation at decreased capacity. Shorter equipment life means sooner replacements of high-cost systems. Retro-commissioning can help building administrators prevent premature replacement of components or systems by significantly improving efficiency.

Reduced Need for Repairs or Warranty Claims

When mechanical systems demand frequent fixes and warranty claims, operators should see it as a sign the equipment requires assessment and changes to function more effectively. Inefficient operation can lead to components failing prematurely or the building manager having to submit a warranty request for the system. Modifying operational parameters could prevent the necessity for regular repairs or component replacements outside standard maintenance.

When is Retro-Commissioning Suggested?

For the most part, a retro-commissioning venture can produce a higher profit on ventures in more established structures or structures that have never been commissioned previously. However, there are numerous circumstances that demonstrate building energy systems must be inspected and adjusted:

• A change in inhabitance: HVAC and lighting needs differ according to the type of occupants. For example, if an area formerly used as a shop is converted to an office space, increased ventilation rates will be essential due to the higher number of people.
• Increasing energy usage: If the electricity and gas bills of a building have been constantly climbing for no obvious reason, retro-commissioning can be an effective method to identify and address the cause.
• Increasing complaints from tenants: Occupants might lodge complaints to building owners because of poor lighting, inefficient HVAC frameworks, poor water pressure, and extreme temperature. These frequent complaints are a sign that an establishment needs immediate retro-commissioning. 

Concluding Thoughts

Hiring a professional consultant is highly advised to achieve the best results, particularly if the retro-commissioning project is being conducted to adhere to Local Law 87. Even in properties where compliance is not mandatory, the return on investment can be significant, providing a significant chunk of capital for business operations or for other building upgrades. So, contact reliable energy consulting services like The Cotocon Group now.