Transcript Document

HVAC
Green Application 4
Key Lessons from HVAC
In HVAC, we learned about:
• Thermal and air building science
• Installation of HVAC equipment and
systems
• Startup and troubleshooting of the
system’s operation
• Alternative heating systems
Green Building Principles
and HVAC
Each of HVAC’s key lessons can shape these
important green principles:
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Energy efficiency
Durability and water management
Indoor air quality
Green product selection
Reduce material use and recycle waste
Work with other trades
Homeowner education and training manual
Energy Efficiency
HVAC directly shapes one of the largest
sources of energy that we use in our
homes: our heating and air conditioning.
A green HVAC technician will look for
energy efficient alternatives when
picking and installing key equipment.
Energy Efficiency
An HVAC technician can:
• Select energy-efficient equipment
• Size heating and cooling equipment
• Design and install energy-efficient HVAC
ducts and distribution
• Maintain and ensure the integrity of the
insulation and air barrier
• Maintain the system correctly
Durability and Water Management
HVAC systems can shape the amount of
moisture in the air and the home, and
sometimes collect water condensation.
A green HVAC technician will ensure that
all moisture-carrying equipment is
properly drained.
Indoor Air Quality
Because the HVAC systems transports air
from, around, and out of the home, it
plays the largest role in indoor air
quality of all trades.
A green HVAC technician will ensure that
appropriate filtration is provided, and
that the system is balanced with other
necessary vents.
Indoor Air Quality
An HVAC technician can:
• Install combustion exhaust, kitchen, and bathroom
equipment ventilation
• Install fresh air ventilation and air filtration systems
• Understand radon gas and other air particulate
matter mitigation
• Avoid system water leaks and condensation that
could lead to mold and mildew growth
Green Product Selection
There are many materials and products that an
HVAC technician uses, and many of these
(like ducts) are used in large quantities.
A green HVAC technician will select materials
and products that both use less material and
energy in their manufacturing, and less
energy in their operations.
Green Product Selection
An HVAC technician can:
• Select HVAC products and materials
with low environmental Impact
• Select locally made materials and
fixtures
• Select and install environmentallyfriendly products
Reduce Material Use and
Recycle Waste
HVAC is material-intensive, and
oftentimes does not use the materials
efficiently.
An HVAC technician can design and
install duct layouts that are efficient and
then reuse or recycle the leftover rather
than wasting it.
Reduce Material Use and
Recycle Waste
An HVAC technician can:
• Design a material-efficient HVAC layout
• Minimize HVAC waste
• Recover and recycle refrigerant
• Integrate HVAC waste into the jobsiterecycling program
Work with Other Trades
A green HVAC technician must coordinate
with almost every other trade that might
change the overall performance of the
building.
For example, the HVAC technician must
know where the carpenter will frame to
ensure minimal penetrations, and where
house wiring and plumbing fixtures are
located for temperature control.
Homeowner Education and
Training Manual
A green HVAC technician is always ready to make sure
that her work is maintained properly to last a long
time.
HVAC technicians can provide information to occupants
about where their air comes from, the kinds of
equipment and controls in the home, and how to be
energy and air conscious.
Referencing HVAC and
the Green Application
HVAC Section
1. Introduction
2 Installation
3 Startup and Service
4 Heating
Relevant Green Application Section
Energy Efficiency
Indoor Air Quality
Green Product Selection
Reduce Material Use and Recycle Waste
Durability and Water Management
Work with Other Trades
Energy Efficiency
Indoor Air Quality
Homeowner Education and Reference Manual
Energy Efficiency