What is the purpose of an air-side economizer in HVAC systems?

The purpose of an air-side economizer in HVAC systems is primarily to enable free cooling. This system takes advantage of favorable outdoor air conditions to reduce the reliance on mechanical cooling systems, such as chillers or refrigeration units, thus saving energy and operational costs. When the outdoor air temperature and humidity are at optimal levels, the economizer allows this outside air to be used directly for cooling indoor spaces, effectively providing a more energy-efficient option to maintain comfortable indoor environments.

By utilizing outside air for cooling, especially during transitional seasons, building operators can significantly decrease energy consumption. This feature of air-side economizers contributes to overall energy efficiency in HVAC systems, as less energy is spent on mechanical cooling, which often requires more physical wear on equipment and higher energy bills. This free cooling capability is a defining characteristic of air-side economizers and highlights their importance in modern HVAC design.