Identifying and Quantifying Economic Benefits

IAQ and Conservation equipment and systems can provide very large benefits for a wide variety of applications. However, there is no benefit without investment, and in many cases, the investment in IAQ or Conservation equipment can be substantial. CAL-IN/COBEAL recognizes this and our design engineers are naturally concerned with minimizing the equipment investment, and maximizing its benefits.

Utilizing IAQ best practices, CAL-IN/COBEAL provide a wide array of consulting services during the project planning stage to determine proper size and selection of building systems, components, materials and furniture. Working with mechanical engineers and architects, we participate in the planning process, designing in the element of IAQ to the finished project.

We work closely with and follow general guidelines and practices established by ASHRAE, ISIAQ, NADCA and SMACNA. In addition to working within the general guidelines and practices, we work with customers to understand the economic benefits of an IAQ or Conservation project, which can be as diverse as the number of applications for the equipment. But in general, they fall into four principal categories:

    Operational cost reduction

    Capital equipment cost reduction

    Product quality improvements

    Operational response improvements

All of these translate directly to either improved profits, or the ability to reallocate expensive resources to other uses. The effect of economic benefits multiplied over the lifetime of IAQ or Conservation equipment can be quite astonishing.

Minimizing Costs

Assuming everything possible has been done to maximize the benefits of your IAQ or Conservation project, CAL-IN/COBEAL design engineer's attention shifts to insuring the project will use the minimum resources necessary to achive the intended benefits. There are two areas of conern:

    First Cost

    Operating Cost

Often times, CAL-IN/COBEAL design engineers must make difficult decisions when the goal of a low operating cost may conflict with a limited project budget. It is painful to be presented with a situation where the organization simply cannot afford the cost of an additional control, which might pay back its cost within a month of installation. For more information on how we deal with these situations or to inquire about credit with our company, please contact us directly.

IAQ and Conservation projects are not without expense. LIke any effort, there is an investment of time and money required before the benefits will be achieved. Our design engineers' work is made easier if he or she can help you identify and quantify the benefits, and minimize the costs of a project. For your convenience, we have a Project Benefit Worksheet available to assist you in making these decisions.