DESIGN AND COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CONVENTIONAL AND ENERGYEFFICIENT HVAC SYSTEMS IN A COMMERCIAL COMPLEX

This research presents a comparative analysis of conventional and energy-efcient HVAC systems for a commercial complex in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The study evaluates construction materials, energy consumption, operational costs, and long-term savings to highlight the benets of adopting energy-efcient solutions. Conventional systems, using brick walls, RCC slabs, CFL lighting, and single-glazed glass, demonstrated higher energy demands and operational expenses. In contrast, the energy-efcient design integrated insulated walls, PUF roof panels, double-glazed low-E glass, LED lighting, cool roof coatings, and solar photovoltaic panels. Findings reveal that although the energy-efcient approach nearly doubles the initial material cost, it signicantly reduces monthly energy consumption by 25,536 kWh and annual costs by ₹2,451,456. The results conrm a relatively short payback period and emphasize the importance of energy-efcient HVAC systems in sustainable building practices. This study concludes that energy-efcient upgrades not only lower lifecycle costs but also enhance environmental sustainability and building performance in hot-dry climates.