If your building’s HVAC system is outdated, you’re not just paying for heating, cooling, and ventilation; you’re paying for waste. That waste shows up in skyrocketing energy bills, uncomfortable temperature swings that trigger complaints, more frequent service calls, and even difficulty meeting air quality standards.
At Harold Brothers, we’ve spent decades helping commercial property owners across New England turn wasteful HVAC systems into efficient, cost-saving assets. We’ve worked with offices, manufacturing facilities, schools, and healthcare buildings, delivering proven results and measurable returns.
In this guide, you’ll see exactly what’s included in our HVAC energy efficiency upgrades, why each part matters, and how they work together to reduce costs, improve comfort, and extend the life of your equipment.
The Definition: HVAC Energy Efficiency Upgrades
It’s not just swapping out one part for something newer. It’s a system-wide approach, equipment upgrades, fine-tuned adjustments, and smart controls all designed so every piece works together.
It’s like trading your old gas-guzzler for a hybrid, not just a new engine, but a better transmission and smarter electronics that all save fuel together.
1. High-Efficiency Heating Equipment for Commercial Buildings
Many older boilers and furnaces burn fuel at 70–80% efficiency. Translation: up to 30 cents of every dollar is literally going out the exhaust.
We change that with:
- Condensing boilers that reclaim heat from exhaust gases. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, upgrading to energy-efficient commercial boilers can lead to thousands of dollars in savings over the system’s lifetime, even after accounting for upfront cost.
- Furnaces with advanced heat exchangers that push more heat into your building
- Variable-speed motors that match output to real-time demand
One manufacturing client made this switch and saw their winter gas usage drop by nearly a third. That’s not just savings, it’s breathing room in the budget.
2. Cooling Upgrades That Reduce Energy Waste
Old chillers and rooftop units often run full tilt, even when your building doesn’t need it. Our upgrades, like Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems or high-SEER rooftop units, cool only the zones that need it, when they need it.
Think of it like your shower. You don’t blast hot water in every bathroom all day, just the one you’re using, at the temperature you want. That’s what our high-efficiency systems do for your building.
3. Improving Indoor Air Quality With DOAS Systems
Ventilation is crucial, but pulling in untreated outdoor air is like heating your building with the windows open. DOAS units fix that by pre-conditioning incoming air.
We often pair these with Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) and CO₂-based demand control, so you’re matching airflow to actual occupancy.
4. Smart HVAC Controls for Businesses
Even the most efficient equipment wastes energy if it runs when it’s not needed.
We install:
- Programmable thermostats to match heating/cooling schedules to actual building use
- Building Automation Systems (BAS) to manage multiple units from one central dashboard
- Occupancy sensors to shut off conditioning in unused spaces
- Real-time monitoring to catch issues before they become costly
In one office retrofit, simply adding smart controls cut HVAC runtime by 20% all without touching a single piece of heating or cooling equipment.
5. Ductwork and Air Distribution Upgrades
If your ducts leak, you’re paying to heat or cool the walls. We seal gaps, insulate runs, and balance airflow so every zone gets its fair share.
Our solutions include:
- Duct sealing to prevent air loss through cracks or gaps
- Duct insulation to keep air at the right temperature during travel
- Airflow balancing so every zone gets the proper air volume
The payoff? Consistent comfort and less strain on your equipment.
6. Heat Recovery Systems for Commercial Buildings
Commercial buildings often have areas that need heating and cooling at the same time. Instead of wasting that energy, we capture and reuse it. According to the DOE’s Advanced Energy Retrofit Guide, heat recovery systems are ideal for buildings with simultaneous heating/cooling demands, significantly reducing total energy use.
Options include:
- Heat recovery chillers to provide hot water or space heating from cooling system waste heat
- Exhaust air heat exchangers to preheat or precool incoming air
- Process heat recovery in manufacturing
It’s like a bakery using the heat from the ovens to warm the shop in winter, cozy and efficient.
7. Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
Older motors are either on or off, full blast or nothing. VFDs let fans, pumps, and compressors speed up or slow down as needed. The result? Lower energy use, quieter operation, and less wear.
8. Preventive Maintenance Programs That Protect ROI
The best system won’t stay efficient without proper upkeep.
Our programs include:
- Seasonal tune-ups and calibration
- Filter and belt changes
- Efficiency checks and adjustments
- Performance reporting to track ROI
Just like a car needs regular oil changes to avoid engine damage, your HVAC system needs routine care to stay efficient.
Why Choose Harold Brothers for HVAC Energy Efficiency Upgrades?
Your HVAC system should work for you, not against your bottom line. Outdated equipment and poor system design cause waste you’re likely paying for every single month.
With Harold Brothers’ full-spectrum HVAC energy efficiency upgrades from high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment to smart controls, duct improvements, and preventive maintenance, you can cut waste, boost comfort, and protect your investment for years to come.
Complete your free online energy audit today. We’ll pinpoint exactly where your system is losing efficiency and show you the best ways to start saving.
Harold Brothers Mechanical Contractors has been a trusted leader in commercial HVAC solutions for decades. Our team knows the unique needs of New England’s commercial buildings, and we deliver results that pay for themselves. Get started now and see what smarter, more efficient HVAC can do for your business.
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