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LIMITED QUANTITIES, BE HURRY – HEAT PUMPS AT DISCOUNT PRICES!
LIMITED QUANTITIES, BE HURRY – HEAT PUMPS AT DISCOUNT PRICES!
We are comprehensive in our cooling solutions guide We have dealt with various types of equipment, but air conditioning cooling operates on a fundamentally different level.
A modern Class A property is increasingly defined by its technological level and user experience. Energy efficiency directives, high-quality building materials and modern technology create tight and well-insulated buildings, but at the same time they also create an unavoidable challenge: significant internal heat load. This is no longer just a problem in the summer heat, but a year-round factor that affects the usability and value of the premises.
The answer to this challenge cannot be a retrofit or local compromise. It must be found at the heart of the property's design.
Integrated cooling in ventilation is not just a technical feature, but a strategic decision that sets a premium property apart from the crowd. It is an investment that is directly reflected in rental yields, occupancy rates, the property's energy performance certificate and long-term value appreciation. This guide is aimed at property developers, investors and managers who understand that the successful properties of the future are those that offer uncompromising quality and comfort.
Expert perspective: This article was written by Mika Wettenhovi, Technical Project Manager at Renewe, with over 25 years of experience in air conditioning cooling applications. His core expertise is the strategic design of building services systems for large commercial and residential properties, where each component serves the value development and life cycle efficiency of the property.
Integrated cooling, as the name suggests, is integrated into the building's central ventilation system. It operates using a cooling coil located in the supply air duct, which cools all fresh air entering the building in a centralized and controlled manner. This pre-conditioned air is distributed evenly to all rooms through the existing ductwork.
The advantages of this approach are undeniable:
A good indoor climate is more than just temperature. Humidity control prevents stickiness and draftiness, as well as possible condensation on end devices and surfaces. The cooling water supply temperature is always kept above the dew point of the room air, unless the device is designed to control condensation. Moisture recovery or drying of the supply air ensures draft-free but dry cooling, even during humid, hot periods.
The efficiency of a cooling coil is directly dependent on its supply source. The choice is strategic and should be made as part of the overall energy solution for the property, taking into account both investment and life cycle costs (LCC).
Water cooler (Chiller): A basic solution for large and demanding commercial properties, such as industry, hotels and data centers. Water cooler ensures high and reliable cooling capacity, and the waste heat it produces can be further utilized in other processes in the property industrial heat pump through.
Geothermal cooling: For properties with geothermal system, this is almost self-evident. The passive cooling provided by an energy well is practically free of operating costs, which makes it an economically and ecologically superior solution, however, this solution is not suitable for high thermal loads.
Air-to-water heat pump: A flexible and efficient solution for sites where, for example, geothermal heating is not possible. Modern air-water heat pump efficiently produces cold water for the system in summer with active compressor operation, without forgetting the synergy benefit of energy-efficient heating.
As an alternative to distributed implementation, also check out For VRF/VRV systems – when chosen correctly, they complement a centralized solution for, among other things, space-specific control.
A professional real estate investor or owner does not see integrated cooling as an expense, but as an investment that pays off on many fronts.
Lower life cycle costs: Compared to decentralized, room-specific systems, a centralized solution is more durable, long-lasting, and maintenance-efficient, which reduces life-cycle costs.
Better energy certificate: Energy-efficient cooling, especially when implemented with ground cooling, improves a property's energy performance certificate rating. This is a legal and increasingly important indicator of value in the market.
Higher rental income and occupancy rate: Premium interior conditions are a direct competitive advantage in the rental market. They enable higher square footage rents and reduce the risk of vacant spaces, which directly improves a property's net operating income (NOI).
Increase in the value of office property with strategic cooling, calculation based on a 5000 m² office property without integrated cooling.
This shows how integrated cooling is not an expense, but an investment that can pay for itself many times over through the increase in property value alone.
In addition, there will be savings in life cycle costs and an improved ESG rating. Life cycle cost is a decisive factor, fewer devices to maintain, longer technical lifespan and better energy efficiency reduce OPEX. At the same time, the comfort and reliability of the premises increase productivity and rentability. Therefore, the payback should not be viewed only through energy savings, but as an overall impact on occupancy, rental levels and value development. With metering and an M&V plan, the impact can be verified.
Are you ready to discuss how we can increase the value and competitiveness of your property with the highest quality cooling solution on the market? Properly dimensioned air conditioning cooling improves energy use, ensures a pleasant indoor climate and keeps processes running without disruptions. Contact us – let's design an efficient and sustainable solution together, tailored to your needs.
Book a free survey: 010 660 3030 | info@renewe.fi | fill out the form online
How does integrated cooling affect a property's energy performance certificate? Significantly. An energy-efficient cooling solution, especially one based on renewable energy, reduces the calculated purchased energy requirement of a property, which directly improves its E-value and energy efficiency class. This is increasingly important in terms of legislation, financing conditions and tenant requirements.
What is the typical payback period (ROI) for an integrated cooling retrofit? Calculated purely in terms of energy savings, the payback period is generally between 6-9 years. However, the real ROI comes from the increase in property value, improved rentability and higher rental yields. When these strategic benefits are factored in, the investment is often justified and profitable within just a few years, depending entirely on the type and location of the property.
How does the maintenance and reliability of a centralized system differ from decentralized solutions? A centralized system is more operationally efficient. Instead of having to maintain dozens or hundreds of separate room-specific devices, maintenance is focused on one or a few central units. Modern systems are highly reliable and can be designed to be fully redundant (backed up), so that the failure of one component does not affect the operation of the entire system, ensuring an uninterrupted user experience.
Can an old property be equipped with integrated cooling? Yes, but with reservations, the implementation method depends on the existing HVAC system. If the property has centralized ventilation with sufficient capacity, the cooling coil can be installed in the HVAC machine room. Investment 20-30€/m². If the HVAC capacity is not sufficient, fan coils or chilled beams are needed, investment 70-110€/m². The best time is during HVAC renovation.
What is a VAV system and when is it worth it? VAV (Variable Air Volume) is the smartest IV cooling solution. It adjusts the air volume per room as needed. In an office, empty rooms receive minimum ventilation, conference rooms receive maximum. Energy savings 30-50% vs. constant air volume. Investment 20-30% more expensive, but payback 3-5 years. Recommended for sites over 2000m².
What if the premises have a lot of internal heat loads? The design takes into account loads for the zones and uses local additional capacity where it is needed; night cooling and outdoor air are utilized. free cooling, when conditions permit, and size the terminals so that they cover peak hours without draft.
Can the system produce both heat and cold at the same time? Yes, heat pump and cooling systems can be implemented as hybrids that utilize waste heat, where, for example, domestic water or heating circuits receive heat while the spaces are cooled. This increases the overall efficiency of the entire system.
