Optimising AHU Design for Energy Efficiency & Carbon Footprint

Enhance Your Knowledge of Energy-Efficient AHU Design

With rising energy costs and net zero targets, HVAC professionals must focus on designing energy-efficient, compliant Air Handling Units (AHUs). Optimising AHU components and system performance can significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint, ensuring long-term sustainability and compliance with industry regulations.

This free CPD session from Daikin Applied (UK) provides an in-depth look at AHU design, regulatory requirements, and best practices for optimising system performance.

Understand the key factors that impact AHU efficiency and carbon footprint.                                            

• Learn about UK and EU regulations (EcoDirective ErP, Part L2, BS EN 1886) and how to ensure compliance.

Discover optimisation strategies for AHU components, including fans, coils, filters, and heat recovery.

Explore real-world solutions and case studies demonstrating best practices in HVAC design.

Energy efficiency means delivering the same performance while using less energy. This session explores how optimising AHU design can reduce energy waste, lower carbon emissions, and cut operational costs.

What energy efficiency means in AHU design

Why reducing energy consumption is critical for cost savings, compliance, and sustainability

Key regulations and standards impacting AHU performance

Understanding UK and EU regulations is crucial for designing compliant, high-performance AHUs.

Key regulatory standards covered:

• EcoDirective (ErP) & Lot 6 – Mandatory design guidelines for ventilation units
• Building Regulations Part L2 – Minimum energy performance standards
• BS EN 1886 – Mechanical performance requirements for AHUs
• EU 1253/2014 (ErP 2018) – Efficiency standards for ventilation systems

We will break down what these regulations mean for AHU design and how to ensure compliance.

Each AHU component plays a role in energy consumption, airflow, and system performance. This session will examine:

• Fans & Motors – The impact of impeller design, variable speed drives (VSDs), and motor efficiency
• Filters – The relationship between pressure drop and filtration efficiency, and how to minimise energy losses
• Heat Recovery Systems – Comparing thermal wheels, plate heat exchangers, and run-around coils to maximise heat recovery
• Dampers & Controls – Smart integration for better airflow management and energy savings

By the end of this section, you will understand how to choose and configure AHU components for peak efficiency.

This CPD will explore two design approaches and their impact on AHU efficiency and cost:

Designing for Maximum Efficiency

• Higher heat recovery efficiency results in lower coil loads
• Best-in-class filters and fans optimise airflow and reduce energy demand

Designing for Minimum Pressure Drop

• Lower system resistance requires less fan power
• Improved filter selection reduces operational costs

Balancing these factors ensures an efficient, cost-effective, and regulation-compliant AHU system.