How an MEP Engineer Can Make Your House Cheaper to Run and Maintain
By Michael Tobias
Not everyone hires an engineer to design elements of their homes, except of course when local codes and regulations specify that they must. But the realization that a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineer can help make your home cheaper to run and maintain often makes this an option worth considering, even if it means raising a loan.
An MEP engineer is a professional who specializes in electrical, plumbing and mechanical engineering services that include heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC), energy-related design that makes homes more energy-efficient, as well as issues related to water conservation. In essence, what a MEC engineer will do is analyze either existing or potential problems that relate to his or her areas of expertise, and then formulate solutions that fit the client’s needs and budget.
Of course, engineers are not the only people involved in the design process, so if you do use the services of an MEP engineer, he or she will work closely with your architect, interior designer (if you consult with one) and any other professionals you decided to work with.
While the architect will specify materials and ensure that the house incorporates energy-efficient elements and superior insulation that will help ensure it meets the requirements for a tightly sealed thermal envelope that will shield the house from the outside elements, an MEP engineer will take responsibility for systems including those used for electrical power and heating of both spaces and water.
HVAC Systems
There is a myriad of options when it comes to HVAC systems, particularly for large industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings that often incorporate either a multi-zone system or a central system where most of the equipment is located. Central systems may also be used for residential buildings that house multiple families.
Less complex local HVAC systems, that don’t require delivery ductwork, can be adapted to both single- and multi-family occupancies improving comfort levels exponentially.
Irrespective of the size and type of building, a good, well-designed HVAC system will result in an improved indoor environment as well as energy savings. Your MEP engineer will determine the best way to achieve required temperatures 24/7 throughout all four seasons. People have different temperature preferences, but a good rule of thumb is to aim for 21°C to 25°C.
For homes, the important aspect is simply that they must operate efficiently, and cool, heat, or ventilate as desired. This is what helps to run them more efficiently and to save money that would otherwise be spent using equipment that isn’t energy efficient.
Controlled ventilation is important in homes for health reasons too, reducing risks that are associated with polluted air and mold, and generally ensuring that the quality of indoor air is good so that the home is more comfortable too.
Equipment a well-designed local HVAC system might incorporate include:
- Window fans and various air circulation devices for ventilation that improves thermal comfort.
- Various air-conditioning systems that incorporate both heating and cooling mechanisms. Window air-conditioning units, which are installed without ductwork, are the most appropriate systems for improving the quality of air in our homes while heating and cooling as needed.
Energy-Related Systems
It is essential to improve the energy efficiency of all our buildings, including our homes, and an MEP engineering firm in Chicago, New York, or in whichever city, state, or region you live is in the best position to do this.
The best scenario would be a 100% net-zero home that consumes a minimal amount of energy by incorporating capabilities for generating energy as well as by reducing its energy requirements. Even if it isn’t possible to remove the house from the grid entirely, even a simple system that generates renewable energy will immediately lower utility bills.
An MEP engineer will evaluate the energy requirements of your home and those who live in it and will identify the most cost-effective energy-saving steps for your environment. These include sealing the building envelope to improve insulation if it isn’t already maximized, and in this way reduce heating and cooling costs, and which also adds to the improvement of air quality.
Smart water-heating is another energy-related issue that should never be ignored. Strategies include the use of heat pumps and solar water heating systems.
Well-designed lighting systems will also help to conserve energy. Sustainable design optimizes natural lighting and utilizes energy-efficient artificial lighting with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) or light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs that last considerably longer than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs.
Of course, even when equipment isn’t part of a designed system as such, it’s important to use appliances and electronic items that are energy-efficient, certified by ENERGY STAR for instance. These include appliances like washing machines and dishwashers that use less water and less energy.
Water Systems
Taking steps to conserve water is not only an environmentally responsible approach, but it also helps to make homes cheaper and more efficient to run. Strategies an MEP engineer will focus on the use of water-saving faucets, shower heads, and so on, as well as systems that can deal with greywater, which can be a very valuable asset for landscaping.
Harvesting rainwater is another way to improve sustainability, and this is relatively easy to do by simply channeling water from gutters and downspouts into some kind of a rain barrel suitable for storing water.
While incorporating systems that will improve efficiency and save water and energy will add to the costs of a new home, there is absolutely no doubt that they will save money when it comes to running and maintaining the home on an ongoing basis.
Michael Tobias is the founder and principal of Nearby Engineers and New York Engineers, which is an Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Company in America. He leads a team of more than 30 mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineers from the company headquarters in New York City, and has led numerous projects in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, and California, as well as Singapore and Malaysia. He specializes in sustainable building technology and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council.