LIVING ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS

18, August 2008

Audit tool shows financial value of an upgrade

Mitsubishi Electric has launched a new piece of specialised software that can help anyone with air conditioning realise the financial and environmental benefits of upgrading old, inefficient equipment.

The new ‘Replace Scheme’ Audit Tool will help owners understand why it makes perfect business sense to replace ageing systems with those that are more efficient and more controllable. This innovative scheme has been designed to encourage businesses to review their air conditioning systems and see if it really can make financial sense to replace their old equipment, whilst advocating the all round better use of energy.

Hundreds of thousands of premises in the UK use air conditioning that is more than seven to ten years old and whilst this equipment may be performing acceptably, recent advances in air conditioning technology can mean that today’s systems are over 50% more efficient. As fuel prices escalate day-by-day, this is literally costing businesses money.

Key to the success and ease of use of the software is the unique Audit Tool which has been specifically designed to evaluate the cost and carbon footprint of existing air conditioning, highlighting any inefficiencies when compared to new, more advanced systems.

With modern controls and inverter-driven heat pump systems, new designs and refrigerants, today’s air conditioning bears little resemblance to older equipment in terms of energy efficiency and performance.

However, the capital costs of replacement can seem high when compared to an annual maintenance bill, so Mitsubishi Electric has developed this system to help demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of modern air conditioning, appropriately specified and properly installed.

“By highlighting the expense of running and maintaining dated systems, this scheme proves the worth of replacing inefficient systems and helps demonstrate to the customer when upgrading is appropriate,” explained Mitsubishi Electric Commercial Director, Donald Daw.

Increasing energy costs and the pressure to reduce CO2 emissions is driving the need for customers everywhere to replace inefficient air conditioning. Legislation is also focusing attention on the energy performance of commercial buildings as never before.

Against this backdrop, the latest air conditioning technology and controls can now make replacement a truly cost-effective choice and the Audit Tool presents a strong and convincing argument to owners of the amount of savings in hard cash that they can achieve by replacing their old system in favour of a new one. The tool also highlights the huge reduction in CO2 emissions that can be achieved with a new system.

“Hundreds of thousands of systems still in use also run on R22 refrigerant which is being phased out, so the tool will not only help encourage businesses to improve the energy efficiency of their building stock, it will also show the value in replacing R22 systems now, rather than waiting and ensure the quicker removal of this refrigerant,” added Daw.

With the help of the Audit Tool it is easy and straightforward to assess a customer’s individual needs and provide detailed facts and figures to promote the overall cost effectiveness of replacement. The Audit Tool will work with most modern computers that have Microsoft Excel 2000 or above and Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5. All reports are also exportable in Microsoft Excel format.

Not only will the tool clearly show the cost per day of the old system and the Kg/CO2 emitted, it will calculate the average repair price to keep the system operational. Contrasting this with the cost and emissions from a new system, the tool calculates the Cost / CO2 savings of replacement, the savings in annual running costs from replacement and the cost of the new equipment. Finally, it shows the payback period.

Modern systems are also available that can re-use both existing pipework and wiring to minimise downtime and disruption. Businesses can also offset capital costs against their annual tax bill under the Government’s ECA (Enhanced Capital Allowance) scheme which supports the use of energy efficient systems.

The Replace Scheme Audit Tool has now been rolled out amongst Mitsubishi Electric’s dedicated Business Solutions Partners as well as through its own direct sales force, so customers will be able to benefit immediately from the software.

“This launch is another strategic step in our Green Gateway Initiative, which looks to help all of us reduce energy consumption in the built environment,” explained Daw. “Many companies are actively looking for ways to reduce carbon emissions. Others are simply struggling to reduce operating costs. The Audit Tool helps answer both needs in a simple, clear format that can provide a compelling case for change and satisfies both the financial controller and those in charge of reducing carbon footprints.”

The issues discussed here are all part of Mitsubishi Electric’s Green Gateway Initiative which highlights how we can all reduce energy consumption in our built environment. Further details can be found at the dedicated website: www.greengatewayinitiative.co.uk.

 

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