Improved Control of Electric Duct Resistance Heaters

This energy conservation measure involves starting the fans a few hours early to mix the warm air in the core zones with the cooler air in the perimeter zones, effectively balancing the zone air temperatures throughout each floor.

During this "fan-only" start-up period, the zone set points would need to be maintained in their setback mode, and no outside air would be allowed to enter the building, in order to keep the non-EMS controlled duct heaters from coming on (see Figure 3). Costs associated with this measure include minimal labor hours for reprogramming the EMS to schedule these fans to come on a few hours early each day (while maintaining zone temperature setback and 0% outside air).

Consequently, this measure represents a tremendous opportunity for substantial and almost instantaneous demand and energy savings.