Maximise Efficiency: HVAC System Upgrades for Building Renovation
Choose your impact
Every building faces challenges, whether big or small. Tackling them effectively can lead to numerous benefits. Simple adjustments can create impressive results, and you can achieve even more with a little extra effort. Adapting the hydronic network for heating and cooling provides substantial advantages but is not always necessary. At Belimo, we believe in taking small steps for significant gains - "Small devices, big impact."
We understand the sweet spot - maximizing energy savings, boosting system efficiency, and elevating comfort levels. Whether you're looking for a simple improvement, a significant overhaul, or something in between, we have the technology and expertise to help.
- RetroFIT+
- Success stories
RetroFIT+
6 reasons why you should retrofit your building
Evaluate the energy-saving potential of your building's hydronic system with just a few clicks. Download a comprehensive assessment report for detailed insights.
The accommodation of a building may change over time. Accordingly, it is important that the technical equipment is also adapted to the new accommodation. Energy-efficient building renovations can be implemented economically by adjusting the existing system, replacing outdated HVAC components, or by adding new, up-to-date technological advancements. It is not always necessary to renew or replace entire systems to increase energy efficiency and minimise operating costs.
Use our checklist to find out whether your building is in accordance with today's energy requirements.
Uncovering energy demands in diverse buildings with RetroFIT+
Optimising energy usage benefits all buildings, but each type has unique load profiles and requirements. Tailored approaches ensure efficiency, air quality, and comfort for occupants. RetroFIT+ting is a major component of any building’s lifecycle and can make an enormous difference in the efficiency of a facility. Our team has decades of experience in the HVAC industry, and our products are proven to deliver results. Let's explore how RetroFIT+ can revolutionise energy usage in different types of buildings:
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Seasonally in session
With occupancy defined by classroom hours and seasons, energy consumption should align with the building’s load profile. With an average occupancy of 7 hours/day when school is in session, these buildings could reduce energy consumption and the correlating costs by 30% by curtailing usage between 6pm - 8am when the building is not being used at full capacity. By coordinating energy usage with occupancy levels both in regard to timing and specific area usage (classrooms, gym, library, etc.), students can be more comfortable with greater potential for concentration thanks to monitored and controlled air quality. Further, more efficient energy consumption can have a positive impact on publicly funded institutions and their tax obligations.
The proportionate energy consumption of school buildings depends on the building's age, size, geographical location, and type of equipment used. In school buildings, heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and hot water sanitary (HWS) account for approximately 80% of energy consumption.The RetroFIT+ solutions you need: how Belimo supports
With Belimo devices, you can improve energy efficiency and comfort, while improving indoor air quality:
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Around-the-Clock Energy for Around-the-Clock Care
In hospitals, energy availability is required 24/7. Moreover, there needs to be a significant amount of flexibility for heating, cooling, and ventilation, as well as dynamic balancing capabilities to supply the appropriate amount of heating or cooling for each building area.
Different building types experience different degrees of energy usage according to the nature of their function. Air conditioning, heating and hot water sanitary (HWS) account for approximately 73% of energy consumption in hospitals.The RetroFIT+ solutions you need: how Belimo supports
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities have a 24/7 role. The HVAC system's availability and reliability are key to promoting comfort and healthy indoor air regarding infection control and safety. With Belimo products, you can ensure the availability, thermal comfort, adequate ventilation and energy efficiency while allowing more flexible space planning and easy troubleshooting：
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Heating and cooling that clocks out when your colleagues do
As office buildings are occupied during business hours only, energy usage should be optimised to suit the hours of operation. With an average occupancy of 9.3 hours/day, these buildings could reduce energy consumption and the correlating costs by 30% by curtailing usage between 8pm - 6am when the building is not being used at full capacity. This way, heating and cooling activity is not wasted on an empty building, saving energy costs and reducing emissions output. Dynamic balancing ensures comfort even when occupancies change.
In office buildings, air conditioning, heating, and domestic hot water account for approximately 56% of energy consumption.The RetroFIT+ solutions you need: how Belimo supports
Average occupancy is 9.3 hours/day. By dynamically adjusting energy usage to suit the load profile and occupancy rates, you can save over 30% energy between 8pm - 6am when the building is experiencing low to no use. With Belimo devices, you can improve energy efficiency, comfort, and building health, while allowing more flexible space planning, making it easier to find tenants to rent office space:
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Comfort comes first
Like offices and schools, hotels are not occupied at full capacity throughout the entire day. However, they are generally at their highest occupancy in the later hours of the day and at night when guests sleep. Providing guests with a comfortable stay is a top priority. Ensuring good air quality, unobtrusive noise levels, and a hygienic environment are also essential in this context.
In hotels, air conditioning, heating and warm water account for approximately 58% of energy consumption.
The RetroFIT+ solutions you need: how Belimo supports
30% energy saved by reducing consumption when the building is unoccupied.
Average occupancy is 9.3 hours/day. By dynamically adjusting energy usage to suit the load profile and occupancy rates, you can save over 30% energy between 8am - 6pm when the building is experiencing low to no use. With Belimo devices, you can improve energy efficiency, comfort, and building health：
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System agility to suit multiple tenants
Shopping centers, sports venues, airports, and cultural centers – while the functions of these buildings are different, they share some things in common: fluctuating occupant traffic and a need to maintain high comfort and dynamic balancing to ensure high availability of cooling and heating energy. The system in place must be agile, as demands change frequently to accommodate changes in space planning. Moreover, as these buildings often house multiple tenants, providing each space with certified energy billing within the individual cost centers must be considered.
The proportionate energy consumption of mixed-use buildings is very distinct. The energy consumption patterns depend on many factors, such as the building's purpose, age, size, geographical location, and type of equipment used. In mixed-use buildings, HVAC systems account for the largest proportion of energy consumption.The RetroFIT+ solutions you need: how Belimo supports
While mixed-use buildings such as shopping malls and sports venues have different purposes and functions, both building types share fluctuating occupancy levels and the high demand and availability of heating and cooling energy. With Belimo devices, you can dynamically balance the heating and cooling loads to optimize energy consumption patterns and ventilation according to occupancy levels：
Effortlessly upgrade to a Belimo product with our App
The Belimo RetroFIT+ App, is designed to help you seamlessly find the perfect replacement for your old or damaged actuator. Whether you're looking for air applications or water solutions, modernizing or replacing your installation, our app will quickly guide you to the ideal actuator or sensor that caters to your needs while providing top-quality and high performance.
The RetroFIT+ App enables you to create and plan retrofit projects with unparalleled ease and efficiency!
How to find a replacement with Belimo RetroFIT+ App
FAQ
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Retrofit refers to the process of making improvements or upgrades to existing systems or structures. In the context of buildings, retrofitting typically involves upgrading or modifying HVAC systems, lighting, insulation, or other components to optimise energy efficiency, improve performance, and extend the lifespan of the building. HVAC retrofitting can involve replacing outdated equipment, installing new controls or sensors, improving insulation, and implementing other efficiency-enhancing measures to reduce energy consumption and improve indoor comfort.
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Retrofitting buildings is important because it allows for the upgrade and improvement of existing HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. This can result in higher energy efficiency, improved comfort, and reduced environmental impact. Retrofits can also help meet new regulatory requirements and improve the overall value of the building while contributing to a greener future.
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The "+" symbolizes the additional value that Belimo contributes to retrofit projects. Belimo offers many products ideally suited for renovation projects, including damper actuators, control valves, sensors and meters. If an adapter or linkage is required, our extensive range of retrofit accessories ensures a straightforward on-site installation process. If our standard offerings do not include the ideal replacement product, we also provide the option for customized products and linkages. However, our support and application consulting extends beyond just the product aspect. Belimo's sales managers and application specialists are dedicated to helping you determine the optimal approach for your renovation project.
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The cost of retrofitting an HVAC system can vary depending on various factors such as the size of the building, the complexity of the retrofit, the specific components being upgraded, and the local market conditions. It is important to assess each project individually to determine an accurate cost estimate. Belimo provides a range of HVAC system retrofit options. Whether you seek a minor enhancement, a major transformation, or anything in between, we possess the technology and expertise to assist you and can provide a cost estimate accordingly.
Success stories
Belimo Energy Valve™ Reduces Carbon Emissions by 40%
In response to a regulatory mandate in New York City focused on improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions for large buildings starting in 2024, a major property management company upgraded key buildings with the Belimo Energy Valve™, a pioneering, IoT-enabled device designed to optimize energy use and maintain Delta T in HVAC systems.
The upgrade dramatically cut energy use and costs – saving over $1 million in electricity in 2023 alone. The effort also earned Paramount $2.1 million in utility incentives, aligned the buildings with 2030 carbon reduction goals, and secured top sustainability certifications. This marks a significant stride towards the 2050 carbon neutrality target, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
Watch the video to find out more about the CO2 reductions and cost savings.
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Reference – Paramount Group, New York, USA
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Efficiency made easy: a Belimo Energy Valve™ story
Retrofitting of the historic Hotel Admiral Bergen (Norway) was already in full swing when Geir Hovden of DNB Commercial Real Estate learned about the Belimo Energy Valve™ through a particular episode of the Practical PropTech podcast. This episode delved deep into how cutting-edge technology, like the Belimo Energy Valve™, transforms the way we manage building operations and saves energy. In the middle of the project, they immediately decided to pivot and equip the hotel's hydronic system with Energy Valves. Their decision yielded impressive results, including enhanced operational efficiency, significant cost savings, and a substantial contribution to their sustainability goals.
Watch the video to discover how our innovation makes installations easier and provides valuable insights for better, smarter building management.
See what our customers are saying
RetroFIT+ saves Providence College millions: No new chiller required.
Founded in 1917, Providence College comprises 40 campus buildings. With ongoing expansion planned, the chilled water supply was nearing its capacity. How to meet this increasing demand without installing a new chiller, and saving on cooling and pumping costs? Retrofitting East Campus buildings with the Belimo Energy Valve™ offered the ideal solution, and is helping the college meet its environmental goals.
Retrofitting buildings for energy-efficiency and sustainability
After a reassessment and recommision, Brookfield Place saves 8.9 million liters of water flow per day in the primary heating system alone.
Contact us today to optimise your HVAC system with RetroFIT+
At Belimo, we are at your service to guide you to the best solution for your needs, so you can reduce your energy costs and carbon emissions for a more sustainable future.
We change the world to be more efficient. Be part of it!