Energy-Efficient Fume Hoods: Features, Benefits, and ROI Calculations

When you’re running a lab, one goal is universal: balancing performance, safety, and keeping costs in check. Energy-efficient fume hoods, also known as the fume cupboard, offer a solution by providing safety, reducing operational costs, and supporting environmental sustainability. But what exactly makes these safety cabinets “energy-efficient”? And, most importantly, how do you figure out if they’re actually worth the investment for your lab?

Let's break down their key features, learn about their benefits, and go through some ROI examples to help you see if energy-saving hoods are a good fit for your facility.

4 Key Energy-Efficient Features in Modern Fume Hoods

Investing in power-efficient ventilation hoods isn't just about buying a piece of equipment for your facility, but buying into a host of features designed to protect your team, the environment, and your budget. These hoods also come with accessories like durable tubing and secure connectors for safety measures by containing and directing hazardous fumes away from work areas.

These features include heat recovery systems, Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems, airflow sensors, and automatic sash closures, all of which work together to reduce energy usage without compromising safety.

Heat Recovery Systems

These systems help reduce the load on your HVAC system by recapturing energy from exhausted air and reintroducing it into your workplace’s heating or cooling system. An air-to-air heat exchanger transfers thermal energy from exhausted air to incoming fresh air. This reduces the energy needed to heat or cool incoming air, translating into lower HVAC costs.

In colder months, heat recovery systems are particularly valuable to maintain a stable temperature without a significant increase in bills. They’re a great option for facilities located in regions with distinct seasons to help balance staying cool with cost-efficiency.

VAV Systems

These systems work by adjusting the airflow based on the position of the cupboard’s sash. Unlike Constant Air Volume (CAV) systems that maintain a set airflow regardless of sash position, VAV systems only supply as much airflow as is necessary to maintain safe face velocities.

This is useful for stations that frequently work with open sashes, as the system will only ramp up when necessary. Not only does this meet low energy consumption, but it also improves its lifespan by reducing wear and tear on the ventilation components.

Take, for example, a chemical research station that handles volatile substances. With a VAV system, the research hub can develop the proper airflow only when handling hazardous fumes, so it reduces both power usage and operational costs when the cupboard is not in active use.

Airflow Sensors and Monitors

Airflow sensors monitor and maintain the appropriate face velocity. These sensors detect airflow changes and automatically adjust the ventilation rate, so the air remains clean while minimising energy consumption.

Airflow sensors in a ducted fume hood can detect when airflow falls below safe levels. When this happens, the sensors prompt the system to increase airflow, restoring safe conditions. This optimises energy usage by reducing unnecessary ventilation when airflow is adequate.

Automatic Sash Closures

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve energy efficiency is by keeping its sash closed when not in use. Automatic sash closures take this responsibility off your team’s hands by lowering the sash after a set period of inactivity.

Airflow demand is reduced and can minimise the strain on your HVAC system by closing the sash. Some labs have reported energy savings simply by incorporating automatic sash closures. It’s a practical solution, especially in high-traffic labs, where it can be easy to forget to close the sash manually.

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Lab Hoods

The benefits they provide can be felt across multiple aspects of your lab, from financial savings to environmental impact and improved safety.

1. Reduced Operational Costs

Since heating, ventilation, and air conditioning account for a large portion of operating expenses, features like VAV systems and heat recovery can provide savings. Over time, these savings can offset the initial cost of installing resource-efficient models.

A standard ducted hood running continuously at full capacity will demand higher energy compared to a VAV hood with automatic sash closure. Over a year, this can add up to thousands of dollars in savings, especially in labs with multiple hoods.

2. Environmental Benefits

Investing in sustainable hoods also means reducing your lab’s carbon footprint. These hoods contribute to a more sustainable laboratory by reducing the amount of energy required for operation. For facilities aiming for green certifications like LEED, Green Star, National Green Building Standard (NGBS), and other green building certifications relevant in Australia, this is an excellent step towards compliance and demonstrating environmental responsibility.

Ductless exhaust hoods with air filtration systems, for example, do not require extensive ductwork and can contribute to sustainability by reducing installation material and costs. As many labs shift towards greener practices, they offer a straightforward way to contribute to those goals.

3. Improved Lab Safety and Performance

By maintaining consistent airflow levels and adequate containment, these eco-friendly options enhance lab safety. Features like automatic sash closures and airflow sensors improve performance by reducing interruptions and enabling reliable operations.

Consider a lab that handles chemical fumes regularly. With this equipment, your team is protected by a system that optimizes airflow whenever needed.

Calculating ROI and Energy

For any lab management, knowing this equipment’s ROI makes an informed investment. The ROI calculation will include factors like initial costs, operational costs, and energy savings over time.

Understanding ROI in the Context of Power Savings

ROI calculations help evaluate if a hood is worth the initial investment. You’ll need to consider the purchase price, installation, maintenance, and expected lifespan. While power-conserving models often have higher initial costs, the reduced operational and maintenance expenses can impact long-term savings.

ROI Calculation Example

Let’s walk through a simplified ROI calculation for a single VAV hood with automatic sash closure.

• Initial costs: Purchase and installation cost: AUD $15,000
• Operational savings: Assuming the hood reduces energy costs by AUD $1,500 AUD per year compared to a traditional model
• Payback period: AUD $15,000 ÷ AUD $1,500 savings per year = 10 years

So, in this example, the VAV hood would pay for itself in 10 years through savings alone. Considering that most cupboards have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, this model provides an ROI within its useful life.

And let’s say you’re comparing two models: a standard CAV hood versus a VAV hood. Over a 15-year period, the VAV hood, with its low-consumption features, could save you around AUD $20,000 in reduced energy costs that cover the initial cost difference and then some.

Future-Proof Your Lab with Long-Term Investment

Energy-efficient fume hoods offer a blend of safety, sustainability, and cost savings, which make them a valuable addition to any laboratory. With features like heat recovery systems, VAV technology, airflow sensors, and automatic sash closures, they provide robust performance while minimising energy consumption.

If you’re upgrading existing equipment or designing a new lab space, consider it as part of your strategy. Not only will they help you operate more efficiently, but they also promise long-term savings and environmental benefits to deliver value that goes far beyond the initial investment.