LEED AP with Operations and Maintenance (O+M ) Practice Exam

How should the cooling system be metered if a project is served by multiple built-up air-handling units?

1. Install a single meter for the entire system

2. Use individual meters for each unit

3. Metering is determined by the project team’s discretion

4. Only the main HVAC system needs metering

The correct answer is: Metering is determined by the project team’s discretion

When it comes to metering the cooling system for a project served by multiple built-up air-handling units, the best practice often involves considering the specific needs and goals of the project. The choice of metering strategy can greatly influence operational efficiency, allow for precise energy consumption tracking, and facilitate better management of individual units. Using the project team's discretion highlights the need for a tailored approach. Different projects may have unique requirements based on factors such as the scale of the facility, the complexity of the HVAC system, energy management goals, and budget considerations. This flexibility enables the team to either implement a more granular metering strategy with individual meters for each air-handling unit or a broader approach with a single meter for the entire system, depending on what is most feasible and effective for the project's context. In contrast, installing a single meter for the entire system could obscure energy usage data specific to each unit, hindering effective energy management and optimization. Likewise, using individual meters for each unit could increase installation and maintenance costs, which may not be justified in simpler systems. Therefore, allowing the project team to determine the metering approach based on their unique situation best supports the overall efficiency and sustainability goals of the project.