Variable Frequency Drives: A Must-Have For Commercial HVAC Systems

Heating and cooling costs can represent a large portion of any company's operating expenses. In addition to taking away from the overall profitability of your company, an inefficient HVAC system can have a negative impact on the environment. 

Fortunately, there is something simple you can do to help reduce energy usage and utility costs in your commercial space. You can install a variable frequency drive (VFD) on your HVAC equipment.

VFDs Defined

To truly appreciate the benefits that you will receive from the installation of a VFD in your commercial HVAC system, you need to understand what a VFD is. A VFD is a regulator that can be connected to the motor of a furnace or air conditioner. 

Once installed, the VFD operates to control the function of the motor in order to make an HVAC system more efficient. Any experienced HVAC technician can install a VFD in a matter of hours so that your company doesn't experience any interruptions in business during the upgrade.

What VFDs Do

Once a VFD has been connected to a furnace or air conditioner motor, it regulates the operating capacity of the motor. 

Most commercial HVAC systems are designed to meet the maximum heating or cooling load demands for the space. The system will operate at full power, regardless of the difference between the interior temperature and the maximum demand load. 

A VFD allows the motor to begin running gradually rather than kicking on at full force. The result is a commercial space that remains a comfortable temperature without the excessive operation of the building's HVAC system.

Benefits VFDs Offer

The installation of a VFD can do more than just alter the function of your HVAC system. By reducing the demand on the motor, a VFD can actually help to extend the life of your HVAC equipment over time. Many VFDs are also equipped with data sensors that can track the performance of your furnace or air conditioner. 

Monitoring the data feeds produced by the VFD will allow you to invest in maintenance and repairs before a problem escalates so that you can minimize your HVAC expenses. The extensive benefits offered by a VFD ensure that you will recoup the money you have invested in the installation of the drive within a matter of months.

Talk to your air conditioning services technician about the possibility of adding a VFD to your commercial heating and cooling equipment. The addition of this simple part can improve HVAC performance and help reduce monthly utility costs in the future.