Words: Varun Godinho
As commercial buildings face rising temperatures and increasing energy demands, choosing the right air conditioning solution has never been more critical. According to Daikin Australia’s national consulting sales manager Sunny Wong, finding the right balance between comfort, energy efficiency, cost and maintenance is key to long-term performance.
Wong says systems such as Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV), chillers or other commercial-grade units should be designed to suit the specific application. “The goal is consistent comfort,” he explains. “Keep temperatures stable, ideally between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius, and use good ductwork design and accurate temperature sensors to prevent hot and cold spots.”
Building Management Systems (BMS) or manufacturer’s central controllers can improve energy management by providing real-time monitoring and centralised control. But regular maintenance remains essential. “Filter changes, coil cleaning and inspections prevent downtime and maintain efficiency,” Wong says.
Balancing energy and comfort
Poor placement of thermostats, skipping maintenance and ignoring occupancy levels are among the most common issues Wong sees in commercial facilities. “We often find systems running after-hours when the building is empty,” he says. “Or thermostats positioned in sunlight, sending inaccurate readings back to the controller.” Both lead to wasted energy and discomfort.
Energy-efficient solutions, Wong explains, begin with smarter controls and accurate sensing. “Position sensors within occupant zones and connect them to BMS controls to automate heating and cooling based on real-time conditions like occupancy and weather,” he says. Selecting equipment with high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) or Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings delivers further savings.
Heat or Energy Recovery Ventilators (HRVs/ERVs) also improve efficiency by pre-conditioning incoming fresh air and reducing system load, while properly scheduling temperature set points ensures systems operate only when needed.
Wong says the drive toward sustainability has accelerated change across the HVAC sector. Facilities can now adopt low-Global Warming Potential refrigerants such as R-32, integrate solar PV to offset energy use, and use IoT-based controls that automatically adapt to occupancy and air quality.
As the climate warms, he expects air conditioning to become even more intelligent. “The future lies in adaptive controls, smarter sensors and AI-driven energy management,” Wong says. “These innovations will enhance comfort while cutting energy use and reducing the carbon footprint of commercial spaces.”
A longer version of this article first appeared in FM.
