It’s no secret that high-capacity commercial-grade HVAC systems can be incredibly energy-intensive. For years, efforts have been made to try and reduce excessive energy consumption and make operating these systems far more profitable.
The solution? Heat recovery – an ingenious method of capturing heat that would otherwise be wasted and reusing it to lower overall energy demand. By reducing the strain on equipment and cutting costs, this method is becoming a cornerstone of sustainable building design.
But what exactly does it mean, and what types of systems are commonly used in commercial HVAC equipment in Riverside County? Let’s explore and find out!
What is heat recovery in HVAC?
- Heat recovery is the process of reclaiming heat from exhaust air, waste gases, or other byproducts of a heating system and reusing it within the same building.
In simpler terms: Instead of letting all that valuable heat escape outdoors, the system transfers it to incoming fresh air or water, making the entire system more efficient.
For example, in winter months, warm air that’s being vented outside can pass through a heat exchanger. This exchanger then transfers the warmth to the cooler fresh air coming in, reducing the energy needed to bring that air up to a comfortable temperature. Similarly, in some designs, heat can be recovered from water systems or even from refrigeration cycles.
This concept works hand-in-hand with other energy-saving strategies. For instance, heat pumps in commercial heating systems, while based on different technologies, share the same goal of maximizing efficiency while keeping buildings comfortable.
What are the types of heat recovery systems?
There are several ways to capture and reuse heat in HVAC systems, each suited to different building designs and operational needs:
1. Rotary wheel heat exchangers
Also called “energy recovery wheels” or simply “thermal wheels”, these devices rotate between exhaust and intake air streams. The wheel’s surface absorbs heat from outgoing air and transfers it to the cooler incoming stream. Rotary wheels are highly efficient, which is why they’re often used in large commercial applications.
2. Plate heat exchangers
Plate exchangers use thin, stacked plates to separate and transfer heat between two airflows. Because there is no moving part, they are durable and require less maintenance, making them a preferred choice in mid-sized commercial buildings where simplicity and reliability are key.
3. Run-around coil systems
In this system, a coil filled with fluid (usually water or glycol) circulates between exhaust and supply air ducts. Heat absorbed from the exhaust air is carried through the coil and released into the supply air stream. Run-around coils are particularly useful when ducts are not located close together.
4. Heat pipes
Heat pipes use a sealed fluid that evaporates on the warm side and condenses on the cool side, transferring heat passively. They are compact, require little energy to operate, and are effective in systems where space is limited.
5. Condensing heat recovery
Some boilers and water systems use condensing technology to capture additional heat from flue gases. This is an extension of heat recovery principles and ties into broader commercial boiler maintenance strategies.
Why is waste heat recovery important?
Adopting heat recovery doesn’t just cut energy costs—it also helps buildings meet stricter sustainability standards and reduces carbon emissions. By lessening the demand on boilers, heat pumps, and furnaces, businesses can extend the lifespan of their equipment and lower maintenance costs.
It also creates a more balanced indoor climate, since fresh air is continuously preheated without wasting energy. Finally, when combined with careful HVAC heating load calculations, building owners can design systems that operate efficiently from the ground up, ensuring maximum comfort with minimal waste.
Who rents high-end commercial HVAC equipment near me in Riverside County?
Since 1978, Aerco Systems, LLC, has been the preferred provider of portable heating and cooling equipment in Riverside County. Backed by nearly half a century of experience and a team of licensed technicians, we cater to commercial, industrial, and institutional clients with recognized professionalism and reliability. Our solutions and expertise are available 24/7, from Jurupa Valley to Blythe and everywhere in between – so don’t wait. Contact us today, and let’s make your space comfortable, compliant, and poised for continued growth!