MEP engineering isn’t just required for constructing new buildings of high value and efficiency. Actually, these services can also be utilized by the owners of older buildings to facilitate renovations and improvements. Upgrading the building’s facilities is an important process to keep it a sustainable and comfortable place to work at or live in.
Malfunctions in a building’s HVAC system can happen over time. Before starting the renovation process, MEP engineers will check the energy components and equipment of a building. It’s important to make sure that there are no leaks, poor wiring, or disabled sensors in the system. If defects are present, MEP engineers will find ways to fix them and make sure that everything is running in optimum condition.
Air leaks are worrisome because they affect the temperature inside a building in various ways. During the summer, leaks will let out cool air and bring in heat. During the winter, the opposite happens. When it comes to air leaks, the common areas for concern are the cracks at the base of walls and doors, and around the windows. The intersection of the walls in the attic should be checked as well.
Any defect has to be repaired to maintain the desired indoor temperature and save energy in the process. Less cool air lost in the summer or heated air in the winter means lower energy consumption.
HVAC is one of the priorities of MEP engineers and is an essential component of any building, regardless if it’s old or new. Careful thought needs to go into upgrading a building’s HVAC system to ensure maximum functionality with minimal energy used. Installing HVAC ductwork also needs meticulous planning to make sure that there’s no negative impact on the building’s design.
Other upgrades include those for water heaters, refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers, to name a few. Older models of these appliances often consume more energy than the newer ones. It might cost extra money to replace such equipment, but building owners will definitely get their money back in the form of reduced energy bills.
If a building is located in a place where there’s lots of sun exposure, then taking advantage of solar energy is a brilliant idea. MEP engineering determines whether or not solar panels are a feasible way to generate power in a particular building and finds the best way to utilize them if they are.
Solar panels are mostly placed in areas that are hidden from plain sight to maintain the building’s aesthetics. The energy generated from these panels can be converted to electricity using photovoltaic cells. Solar energy is a great complement to the electric supply that a building gets from the plant. These panels are also an efficient way of saving energy, which is good for the environment.
MEP engineers play an important role in planning and constructing a building or structure. There’s no limit to the value that MEP engineering can add to your construction projects in terms of energy optimization of HVAC units, as well as the optimal installation of plumbing and electrical systems.
