A prominent, AAA Four-Diamond, resort hotel built in the 70’s reported declines in HVAC capacity across the chilled water fan coil units in its 650 rooms. In addition to performance degradation, increased maintenance call back requests and musty odors were impacting guest experience.
Both corporate and facility management weighed the costs/benefits of either replacing the aging units or restoring the equipment with the most effective process to improve operating efficiency and indoor air quality. The proprietary PURE-Steam HVAC cleaning method was chosen based upon its efficacy of past performance.
PURE-Steam Coil Cleaning method
A survey was designed to take measurements on fan coil units in randomly selected rooms, before and after cleaning
To demonstrate energy savings, a survey was designed to take measurements on fan coil units in randomly selected rooms, before and after cleaning. Readings were taken in the discharge of the supply air plenum. Performance factors and differential outcomes that were evaluated consisted of real-time readings in Temperature (°F), Relative Humidity (%), Enthalpy (BTU/lb), and Volume (CFM) as well as Specific Volume (f3/lb).
Energy consumption data was also estimated, utilizing seasonal conditions in central Florida, 8 cumulative operating hours per day, regional costs of US$ 0.10 KWh, and a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 2, which is characteristic of average age and condition. Marked improvements were recorded in every category after the PURE-Steam Coil Cleaning method was employed.
The Result
Data collected from the survey was entered into an efficiency calculation formula developed by the Building Sciences division at Pure Air Controls Services and reviewed by a third-party professional engineer.
Based on the COP=2, an estimated annual saving was reported of US$ 96.22 per unit per year. When extrapolated across all 650 units the estimated potential savings to the resort was US$ 62,543 annually. Finally, taking into account the cost per cleaning of each unit, based on time and labor, the estimated simple payback was 1.97 years or 50% ROI.
Benefits of the PURE-Steam Coil Cleaning method include:
- Sanitizes the coils/blower assembly
- Removes latent debris from deep within the coils
- Creates improved air flow
- Creates better cooling capacity
- Saves Energy
- Improves indoor air quality
- Reduces HVAC related work orders
- Extends HVAC equipment
