Upgrade the Chiller
If you are replacing a chiller, consider downsizing it. Apart
from wasted energy, oversized HVAC equipment is a significant
contributing factor to mold and mildew in guest
rooms. Additionally, new chillers can be 25 to 50 percent
more efficient than equipment 10 or more years old.
Also, consider auxiliary condensers to preheat makeup
water for centrifugal chillers—they can pay for themselves
in under a year. And chillers equipped with
variable-speed drives can be cost-effective energy savers
in all but the most humid climates. Alternatively, desiccant
cooling and dehumidification systems offer a
variety of benefits: They can operate on natural gas,
reducing peak electric demand, and they help to avoid
costly mold and mildew damage.
Occupancy sensors are particularly useful in public restrooms
and conference rooms. Infrared technology that
is now available is more accurate than motion detectors,
reducing the risk of compromising guest comfort.
Hallway fixtures can also include occupancy sensors and
the capability to provide two different lighting levels.