Best Practice Guide

Food and Beverage Growers and Processors

Introduction

Planning an Energy Program

Funding and Approval

Commissioning

On-the-Farm Energy Use

Lighting

Building Envelope

Central HVAC System

Industrial HVAC and Energy Use

Reducing Loads

Optimization

Condenser/Chilled Water Subsystem

Heating Subsystem

Air Handling Subsystem

Natural Ventilation and Air Infiltration

Boilers

Steam

Combined Heat and Power

Compressed Air

Refrigeration

Motors

Demand Response

Distributed Generation

Water Use


Fetzer Vineyard

J Vineyards and Winery

Mission Foods

S. Martinelli and Company

Sara Lee

Vineyard 29


View the Glossary

Central HVAC System

Heating Subsystem

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Most industrial and manufacturing facilities that have central heat rely on an industrial boiler system to provide building heat as well as hot water or steam for production processes.

See Boiler Chapter for more information on improving boiler efficiency,

Radiant heating uses less, for more
Radiant heating is a good option for new construction that will be heated during winter months. While it is possible to install a radiant system in existing buildings by either raising the floor or by saw cutting into existing concrete slab, this might not be cost-effective.

Radiant heating works through hydronic tubes installed underneath the floor. Hot water (or, in some models, electric current) moves through the tubes, releasing heat, which radiates through the floor and into interior spaces. Because heat is delivered more effectively to where people actually are, temperatures can be set as much as 20ยบ lower than with conventional heating systems. Radiant heating is up to 40 percent more efficient than traditional forced-air systems -- savings are particularly dramatic in highbay facilities since empty space is no longer heated.

Besides saving energy, radiant heating makes interior spaces more comfortable for building occupants.


Resources

Roos, C. Overview: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Northwest Food Processors Association webpage, Building and Facility Efficiency.

Energy Star. Building Upgrade Manual. Chapter 4, Fan System Upgrades, and Chapter 5, Heating and Cooling System Upgrades.

North Carolina Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance.
Energy Efficiency in Industrial HVAC Systems
. September 2003.