How HVAC Economizers Save Energy
An air-side economizer uses cool outdoor air for free cooling when conditions are favorable, reducing or eliminating the need for mechanical cooling.
- Dry bulb economizer: Opens when outdoor air is below the high limit setpoint
- Enthalpy economizer: Compares enthalpy of outdoor and return air for better humidity control
- Savings vary significantly by climate zone; marine and cool climates see the most benefit
- Code requires economizers for most commercial systems above 54,000 BTU/hr (ASHRAE 90.1)