Most projects that pursue EAc2.1 also pursue this credit, because it is inexpensive to implement and offers high potential for long-term operational savings and increased energy efficiency. In other words, EAc2.1 represents the investment, while the payoff happens here in EAc2.2.

The credit allows project teams to determine their own definition of “low cost.” Energy conservation measures considered “low-cost” are, as a rule of thumb, considered those with an anticipated payback of zero to 18 months. If using a shorter timeframe, project teams should be prepared to justify their decision if needed.

Implement the low-cost or no-cost energy conservation measures identified as a part of EAc2.1: Existing Building Commissioning—Investigation and Analysis. These measures must be implemented by the end of the performance period.

If your building will undergo commissioning, incorporate refrigerant inspection and maintenance tasks into commissioning and into ongoing commissioning plans.

Ensure that preventive maintenance is performed on any base building equipment using CFC-based refrigerant. Communicate building goals for minimizing refrigerant leakage to appropriate building personnel to aid inspection and tracking of system performance.

There are also costs associated with equipment replacement required by a CFC phase-out plan, but these may vary depending on the configuration and age of the base systems in your building. The economic feasibility analysis should help to identify these costs for your specific situation. However, if your equipment is old and will benefit from retrofitting, it probably makes more sense to skip the feasibility analysis and simply focus on the phase-out plan.

There will be ongoing costs associated with inspection and maintenance of HVAC equipment, but effective preventive maintenance can help to minimize technician costs associated with repairing significant refrigerant leaks.

The capital costs associated with replacing or converting HVAC equipment are typically high, so it is common for the economic analysis to indicate that the payback of conversion or replacement is not favorable and therefore is not economically feasible.  

Monitor equipment performance to prevent and identify leaks. While actual maintenance must be performed by a certified technician, building personnel who interact with the equipment on a daily basis are the first line of defense against leaks and performance problems.  

Preventive maintenance and inspection is key to minimizing ongoing refrigerant leakage. It’s a good idea to add appropriate items to the building preventive maintenance plan (developed for EAp1: Energy Efficiency Best Management Practices—Planning, Documentation and Opportunity Assessment).