HVAC & Chillers

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, including commercial chillers, play a critical role in maintaining comfortable, safe and efficient environments in offices, retail spaces, manufacturing facilities, data centres and other commercial buildings. Modern HVAC and chiller technologies are designed to deliver high performance while reducing energy consumption, operating costs and carbon emissions. 

What are HVAC Systems?

HVAC systems regulate temperature, air quality, and ventilation within a building. They ensure a consistent indoor environment by controlling heating, cooling, humidity and fresh air supply. For businesses, a well‑designed HVAC system improves occupant comfort, protects equipment, and supports operational efficiency. 

What are Chillers?

Chillers are specialised cooling systems used in commercial and industrial settings to remove heat from a liquid, which is then circulated through air‑handling units or process equipment. They are essential for: 

  • large office buildings 
  • hospitals and laboratories 
  • manufacturing and food processing 
  • data centres and server rooms 
  • retail and hospitality environments 

Chillers can be air‑cooled or water‑cooled, depending on site conditions, cooling load and efficiency requirements.

How can TEA help?

Our experienced engineering team can assess your existing HVAC and chiller systems to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, reduced running costs and enhanced performance. We evaluate: 

  • current system condition and age 
  • cooling and heating loads 
  • energy consumption patterns 
  • control strategies and optimisation potential 
  • opportunities for integration with renewable technologies 

We then recommend the most effective upgrades, replacements or optimisation strategies to maximise value for your business. 

Benefits of HVAC & Chillers for your business

Modern HVAC and chiller systems offer several benefits:  

Energy Efficiency

Newer systems use advanced compressors, variable speed drives and smart controls to reduce energy use.

Lower operating costs

Efficient cooling and heating reduces electricity consumption and maintenance costs.

Improved comfort and quality

Better ventilation and filtration support employee wellbeing and productivity.

Reduced carbon footprint

Upgrading older systems can significantly cut emissions and help meet sustainability targets.

Reliability for critical operations

Chillers provide stable cooling for temperature sensitive environments such as data centres and manufacturing lines.

Why choose Tipperary Energy Agency?

25+ Years Delivering Ireland's Energy Transition  

Tipperary Energy Agency is a not-for-profit social enterprise founded in 1998. We have been at the forefront of energy efficiency and retrofit in Ireland ever since, working with local authorities, communities, businesses, and the public sector across the country.  

25+ Years of Experience

Over two decades supporting Ireland's transition to sustainable energy use.

25+ Years of Experience

Over two decades supporting Ireland's transition to sustainable energy use.

40+ European Projects

Successfully completed more than 40 national and EU research and demonstration projects

40+ European Projects

Successfully completed more than 40 national and EU research and demonstration projects

€1.4M Savings Delivered

Helped Tipperary County Council alone achieve over €1.4M in energy cost savings.

€1.4M Savings Delivered

Helped Tipperary County Council alone achieve over €1.4M in energy cost savings.

SEAI Registered Auditors

Our auditors are SEAI-registered Certified Energy Managers (CEMs), meeting all statutory requirements.

SEAI Registered Auditors

Our auditors are SEAI-registered Certified Energy Managers (CEMs), meeting all statutory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of buildings benefit most from chillers?

Chillers are ideal for buildings with high cooling loads or temperature‑sensitive operations, such as data centres, hospitals, laboratories, manufacturing facilities, large offices and retail environments. 

How long do commercial HVAC and Chiller systems last?

Most systems last 15–25 years depending on maintenance, usage and operating conditions. Regular servicing and optimisation can extend lifespan and maintain efficiency. 

Can HVAC and Chiller systems integrate with renewable technologies?

Yes. Heat pumps, solar PV, thermal storage and energy‑management systems can all integrate with modern HVAC and chiller solutions to reduce carbon emissions and improve efficiency.  

Will upgrading my HVAC or chiller system disrupt operations?

Most upgrades can be planned in phases to minimise downtime. Temporary cooling or heating solutions can also be deployed for critical environments such as data centres or manufacturing lines. 

What grants are available to me?

There are a number of supports that may be available to businesses investing in more energy-efficient HVAC, ventilation, cooling and building control systems. Eligibility depends on the type of organisation, project, technology and proposed investment.

SEAI Air Handling Unit Grant

SEAI currently provides grants of up to 30%, capped at €25,000, for eligible businesses and other organisations replacing or upgrading existing air handling units. Support can include new units incorporating heat recovery and high-efficiency fan technology, as well as retrofit heat recovery or efficient fans where replacement is not practical.

SEAI Building Management System (BMS) Grant

SEAI provides support for eligible BMS installations that can automate and optimise building systems including heating, cooling, lighting and water. The grant value depends on the complexity and number of monitoring and control points in the proposed system.

SEAI BMS Optimisation Grant

For buildings with an existing eligible BMS, SEAI provides a €2,000 grant towards an audit and optimisation exercise. This can help identify inefficient settings, faults and further opportunities to improve building performance.

SEAI Technical Assistance Grant

For eligible SMEs, SEAI provides up to 50% support towards a building-specific technical design package. This can help businesses assess energy-efficiency

measures, renewable heat and BMS controls before committing to capital investment.

SEAI EXEED

For larger or more significant energy-efficiency and decarbonisation projects, the EXEED programme can provide substantially larger levels of support, with grants of up to €3 million or 40% of eligible project costs, subject to the programme's eligibility and project requirements. HVAC and chiller upgrades may form part of a wider eligible energy-efficiency project.

LEO Energy Efficiency Grant

Qualifying small and medium-sized enterprises may also be able to access the Local Enterprise Office Energy Efficiency Grant. Eligible costs can include smart energy controls and certain more energy-efficient equipment replacements or upgrades, subject to the scheme's conditions.

Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme (EEOS)

Some businesses may also be able to access technical or financial support through energy suppliers and other SEAI Obligated Parties under the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme. Eligible HVAC-related measures can include cooling optimisation, free cooling, maintenance, controls and heat-pump installation, subject to the requirements of the individual support programme.

TEA can help identify the most appropriate funding route for your project and assess whether your proposed HVAC or chiller upgrade may be eligible for support.

Are there any lower-interest loans available to me?

There may be green finance and energy-efficiency funding options available through banks and other finance providers for organisations investing in energy efficiency and building improvements.

TEA can help develop the technical and financial case for your project and identify potential funding and financing options.

Speak to an expert

Looking for the right solution for your facility? Contact us today to discuss your needs and see how we can support your goals.