ALBANY, N.Y. — For the third consecutive year, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is continuing its HVAC Business Partners program. This program aids commercial and industrial building owners by helping increase the energy efficiency of their rooftop air conditioners while also improving comfort and indoor air quality.

To date, the HVAC Business Partners program has 50 partner firms statewide and has trained more than 120 technicians, who have provided quality maintenance service on more than 375 rooftop units.

HVAC companies throughout New York State that provide maintenance services to commercial facilities can apply to be an HVAC Business Partner. Trained and qualified technicians follow the ANSI/ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180 for Quality Maintenance, a complete inspection and maintenance task list, to provide customers with comprehensive service. With the use of an advanced handheld diagnostic tool, technicians can more accurately read and correct such things as airflow and refrigerant charge. NYSERDA said this full service maintenance program can save business owners between 15 and 25 percent of energy cost per rooftop unit, depending on the unit’s existing condition.

Through this thorough approach, each component of the system is checked and corrected, ensuring the long-term efficiency of the equipment and comfort of the occupants.

“By participating in NYSERDA’s program, we are now able to expand our business model to incorporate these enhanced services, and we now have the tools to differentiate ourselves from other HVAC contractors,” said Brian Bulriss, senior technician at TAG Mechanical Systems, Syracuse, N.Y., a participating partner. A list of HVAC Business Partner firms can be found on the NYSERDA website at www.nyserda.ny.gov/Contractors/Find-a-Contractor.aspx.

For additional information on NYSERDA’s HVAC Business Partners Program, visit http://nyserda.ny.gov/hvac. HVAC contractors interested in becoming a NYSERDA Business Partner should contact NYSERDA at 866-904-8027 or email hvacpartners@nyserda.ny.gov.

Publication date: 5/6/2013