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Many organisations invest in high-efficiency equipment expecting improved performance. But does high-efficiency equipment really deliver high system efficiency? Not necessarily.
In practice: equipment efficiency alone will not deliver better system efficiency. Operational efficiency is critical — how the plant is maintained, how it is operated, and how it is controlled, looking into the many variables at play.
Even high-efficiency equipment, if not maintained, operated and controlled well, can deteriorate easily. Equally, the reverse is true: a plant with brand-new, high-efficiency equipment does not automatically run at high system efficiency. Overhauling and retrofitting can restore equipment close to original design performance — and continuous monitoring sustains efficiency through the equipment life-cycle.
Equipment age — or equipment design efficiency alone — does not deliver good system efficiency. System efficiency is shaped by how the plant is maintained, how it is operated, and how it is controlled.
Audits and projects carried out by C.V. Kumar across hundreds of plants show the same trend — not all plants with old equipment perform badly, and not all new plants perform well. The differentiator is consistently operational, not the nameplate.
Chart source: BCA Building Energy Benchmarking Report 2017. Experience referenced reflects work led by C.V. Kumar in prior leadership roles at Barghest Building Performance Pte Ltd and Comfort Management Pte Ltd. No proprietary, confidential or commercially sensitive information of any prior employer is contained in or implied by this article. © 2026 E2Optima Pte Ltd.
For the best system efficiency, dynamic optimisation is essential — and it is required even with new equipment and new plants, continuously adapting to load, weather and operating conditions.
Let us help you uncover hidden opportunities in your systems and achieve measurable energy savings — no obligation, confidential discussion. info@e2optima.sg · +65 8282 3616 · www.e2optima.sg
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