Wasted energy isn’t good for business. However, countless businesses are letting money slip out the window by way of inefficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Are you concerned that a clunky, inefficient system is holding your business back? Becoming more energy efficient can do the following for your business:
- Lower your energy bills.
- Prolong the life of your HVAC equipment.
- Impress customers.
- Create a more comfortable indoor environment.
- Reduce repair costs.
- Improve your reputation as an eco-friendly business.
Are you ready to move your business into a more efficient zone? It might not require the major overhaul of operations you’re expecting. Being a more efficient business starts with knowing some HVAC efficiency tips. Next, take a look at the tips all business owners need to know about heating and cooling their buildings more efficiently.
Stay Ahead of Problems Using Regular Maintenance
Don’t neglect your HVAC system. Allowing routine maintenance to fall to the wayside is one of the core causes of poor HVAC performance. When systems aren’t checked by a professional regularly, it’s easy for little problems to slip through the cracks until they’re big problems. In addition to preventing breakdowns, maintenance ensures that your system is operating at optimal performance. That means better efficiency, lower energy bills, and a more comfortable environment.
Fix Uncovered Issues Quickly
One of the worst things you can do for a commercial HVAC system is to ignore a problem. Failing to address a repair issue as soon as it’s detected can tax your system until performance is compromised. In addition, what starts as a fixable problem may ultimately cause an unnecessary shutdown of your system that can needlessly bleed your business of thousands of dollars in repair, remediation, and replacement costs.
Get Rid of the Boiler
Is your commercial HVAC system still using a boiler? Upgrading to a new model can slash energy costs by thousands each year. Newer units aren’t just more efficient because they’re designed to use less energy. If you have an older system that hasn’t been impeccably maintained, there’s a good chance it’s struggling to meet your heating and cooling needs. That strain is actually reducing efficiency beyond age-related lags.
Research Peak-Usage Charges
Are you paying more simply based on the times of day when you’re letting your unit run? Many energy companies actually charge more during “peak” usage times. During the summer, peak usage usually applies during the afternoon because people are cooling their homes and businesses. Getting ahead of the game by cooling your building earlier in the day is a great way to get around peak demand charges.
Have Your Seals and Insulation Checked
HVAC system integrity is important. It’s very common to lose energy without knowing it due to leaks and cracks in your duct system. When breaches happen, you’re actually using more energy with worse results. Have your ductwork inspected to make sure you’re not losing energy through cracks and holes. If issues are detected, have them sealed immediately.
Look at Variation Systems
If it’s time for your business to make an upgrade, consider a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) HVAC system. These systems allow you to have multiple ductless heating and cooling units that you independently control. As a result, each unit is getting an ideal amount of refrigerant to ensure proper heating and cooling for different zones.
Make Use of Smart Technology
Have you been relying on manual thermostats that require you to guess the optimal settings for maintaining consistent, comfortable temperatures? Businesses waste lots of energy during “off” hours. When you add a programmable thermostat to the mix, you get the benefit of having smart technology determine the optimal temperature setting for you. Programmable systems can move to energy-efficient settings during your “off” hours without creating an uncomfortable environment when occupants return. That’s because smart thermostats begin to work their way back to people-friendly temperatures as arrival time gets closer and closer. If you have a business that houses temperature-sensitive equipment or products, smart settings allow you to keep close tabs on temperatures around the clock.
Don’t Let HVAC Air Filters Linger
While this tip seems almost too simple to be true, the reality is that failing to change air filters regularly is one of the biggest causes of HVAC inefficiency. Filters trap dirt, debris, dust, and impurities lingering in the air. In a commercial space, the air is filled with offending substances that quickly get captured by filters. That means that commercial HVAC filters often have to be changed much more frequently than residential air filters. The first step is determining exactly how often HVAC air filters need to be changed. This will vary based on the size of your building, the occupancy of your buildings, and the types of materials handled inside your building. Next, commercial properties should have easy access to replacement filters to ensure there’s no waiting time between changes. If you’re unsure about how to replace your own air filters, simply have a trusted HVAC company on call for routine filter changes to ensure you never miss a beat!
Get Your Staff Involved
Energy-saving measures don’t have to be exclusive to management. In fact, it can be empowering for employees to be brought in to help reduce energy usage. Start by creating awareness regarding the benefits of saving energy. Next, share some energy-saving information with employees to help them become part of the solution. Getting everyone involved with using best practices for reducing energy consumption is one of the best ways to cut costs, boost your rating as an eco-friendly company, and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Consider Retrofitting Your System
A full overhaul may not be needed to reduce energy costs. Retrofitting your current HVAC system can be a cost-effective option that brings your business up to date with eco-friendly initiatives. Retrofitting refers to the act of either replacing or adding parts to your HVAC system to make it run more efficiently. Some options include:
- Replacing your system’s compressor with a more efficient model.
- Adding condenser fan controls.
- Adding demand-controlled ventilation features.
- Adding economizers that bring in cool from outside when possible.
The best way to discover if your system can be retrofitted is to have it assessed by HVAC professionals. An assessment is also a good idea if you’re curious to discover if replacing your unit is the best option. The benefit of an assessment is that it won’t just help you to decide how to adjust your system to reduce energy costs. The HVAC pros you bring in will be able to detect any issues that have gone overlooked within your system during your assessment. That means you may be able to avert a big disaster now while also planning for a sparkling future of big energy savings at your business!
The Bottom Line on Making Your Commercial HVAC System More Efficient
Old, outdated HVAC systems lose efficiency points by the day. That’s the last thing you need in the face of rising energy costs. Don’t suffer with a system that’s struggling to keep up with demand. Make your commercial space a safer, more efficient, and more comfortable place to work, visit, and do business by making efficiency upgrades. There’s never been a better time to make your commercial HVAC system more efficient. Delaware Heating & Cooling Service is the company to help you do it! A trusted HVAC service provider, Delaware Heating & Air Service can handle all of your HVAC maintenance, HVAC repair, HVAC upgrade, and HVAC installation needs. Contact us today to discover exciting options!
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