HVAC ROI: beyond energy efficiency

(Dallas, TX May 7, 2013) When it comes to helping your customers get the most out of their HVAC investment, there's more to the bottom line than swapping out an old, out-of-date system for a shiny, new, high-efficiency model. While the new, higher-performing system will instantly result in monthly utility savings they can see, there's more to ROI than efficiency ratings and first cost.

As businesses consider the purchase of packaged HVAC units, tallying the total ROI—from first cost, setup and installation to ongoing service and maintenance—is the best way to determine which system will offer your customers the best return in the long run.

Here's what to look for when choosing or replacing an HVAC unit:

Easy installation
Did the HVAC manufacturer do its research to find out what the contractor needs in order to make the system easier to install? Simplifying the installation process is a win-win for both the contractor and the end user. It all comes down to less time spent on the job, and fewer subcontractors needed to get the job done—which in turn equates to less cost to the end user, and potentially more time for contractors to add another job to the day's roster. Look for intelligent controls that verify proper system setup with a guided menu that reduces complexity of start-up and commissioning, and keyed and color-coded wire connectors that simplify field sensor or thermostat installation and prevent miswiring. These features add up to a quicker and easier installation process, ensuring equipment is installed correctly and helping contractors get to the next job quicker.

Factory-installed options
Everyone benefits from features that help save time and money. Factory-installed options are another way HVAC manufacturers help contractors, as well as end users, save money. These add-ons are typically created to ensure the unit runs at its maximum capability and efficiency, offering peace of mind to the contractor and increased savings to the end user. Look for intelligent controls <http://www.lennoxcommercial.com/products/commercial-controls.asp> that record and track the runtime of every major system component for quick and easy troubleshooting, and multi-stage air volume supply fan technology <http://www.lennoxcommercial.com/landing/msav.asp> that provides customers with increased comfort and savings all year long.

Service and maintenance savings According to research, facilities in which proper HVAC maintenance is completed will use at least 15 to 20 percent less energy than those where systems are allowed to deteriorate. Performing regular preventive maintenance can keep equipment operating at peak efficiency, helping customers save time and money in the process. Look for:

* Hinged door panels that make units easier to service and eliminate the need for screws, which can come loose during service and cause rooftop penetration
* Units with slide-out blower motor compartments that provide quicker, easier access to the unit's belt, blower motor and coils
* An isolated compressor compartment that allows performance checks during normal compressor operation without disrupting airflow


Choose a reliable HVAC manufacturer
When it comes to selecting energy-efficient HVAC for light commercial buildings <http://www.lennoxcommercial.com/products/packaged-rooftop-units/Landmark/> , Lennox Commercial is an industry leader. Lennox' 18 SEER Energence® units <http://www.lennoxcommercial.com/products/packaged-rooftop-units/Energence/> are designed with comfort, reliability, efficiency and ease of use and service in mind, providing peace of mind to contractors as well as end users. For more information, visit www.lennoxcommercial.com.


About Lennox Industries Inc.
A worldwide leader in residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems, Lennox Industries Inc. is based near Dallas, Texas. Deeply committed to helping consumers and businesses reduce energy needs and lessen their environmental impact, the company offers a wide range of resources for improving efficiency, including a selection of ENERGY STAR® qualified products. Lennox Industries is a subsidiary of Lennox International Inc. and is a global leader in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration markets. Lennox International stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "LII." To learn more about Lennox International, visit www.lennoxinternational.com. To learn more about Lennox Industries, contact a Lennox sales representative or visit www.lennox.com <http://www.lennox.com/> .

Modular classroom cost?

Here is a helpful post and several questions with answers about the cost of modular classrooms. The post is on iModularbuildings.com - a blog I write to help schools make good decisions and save money when it comes to modular, portable classrooms in the United states. Be sure to look at the comments below the post.

Read: How much should a modular classroom cost? My school is searching for a new modular classroom (portable) for twenty-five students and we wanted to get the best price possible. How?

LEED School Campus Part 2

Here is Part 2 of a super informative video about a LEED certified school campus in Arizona. We had many re-Tweets and views after posting Part 1 on www.iBuildGreen.com.

How many portable classrooms are in the United States?

According to Lawrence Berkeley Laboratories in 2011 there were 600,000 relocatable classrooms serving about 1.4 million students in the United States.

Can you imagine how much energy could be generated if half of these "boxes" had photovoltaic systems installed?

Can you imagine how much energy could be saved if these modulars had energy management systems and were being maintained properly?

Food for thought!

Special Windows for Green Modular Classrooms

Here is a quick video with information about windows for eco friendly "green" modular classrooms. This GreenZone modular classroom was on display at the 2012 GreenBuild conference.

 

CyberLock Releases New Features to Access Control Management Software

CORVALLIS, OREGON, March 21, 2013 — CyberLock, Inc., a security systems supplier, announced the release of several software enhancements to its CyberAudit Professional management system. CyberAudit Professional 3.0 software offers streamlined reporting and notification capabilities, compatibility with CyberKey Vaults and Flex System input and output devices, and provides activation for the Flex System Door & I/O module relay device.

By using the CyberLock Flex System Door & I/O module, organizations can integrate with 3rd party Wiegand compatible access control devices, making the technology more suitable for organizations looking for a cost-effective way to expand their access control systems. Functions of the Door & I/O module include:

• Locking and unlocking doors 
• Arming and disarming alarms 
• Activating other relay based devices

"A CyberLock System is built to the customer's specifications based on need. Many of the components are rated for outdoor use and can be mixed and matched to meet the unique requirements of a diverse market place," stated James McGowan, VP of Sales & Marketing. "With CyberLock and the Flex System, all access control requirements can be met and managed using one comprehensive and unified software platform."

The CyberAudit Professional management software is part of a smart key solution comprised of electronic locks and programmable keys. The software allows users to assign key access schedules, set expirations, add new CyberLock electronic lock cylinders to the system, monitor employee and contractor access activities, and generate audit trails and custom reports.

About CyberLock, Inc.
CyberLock, Inc. is a high technology supplier of CyberLock access control products that are made in the U.S.A. and shipped worldwide directly from their headquarters in Corvallis, Oregon. For more information, please contact CyberLock, Inc. by phone at (541) 738-5500, by fax at (541) 738-5501, by email at sales@cyberlock.com, or visit the web site at www.cyberlock.com.