Your energy bill can be a major expense for your business, especially if you operate a large office or commercial space. An outdated, damaged, or inefficient HVAC system can run up your bill and leave your employees and customers feeling uncomfortably warm or cold. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple steps you can take to improve your HVAC system. Here are five commercial HVAC tips to improve energy-efficiency and keep your workplace in Andrews, TX, comfortable:
Perform an Audit
Before you make any changes to your commercial HVAC system, you should understand how it’s currently operating. If you have the records, gather your company’s energy bills from the last two to three years to look for any unexpected changes.
Are there unexplained spikes in your energy consumption? Has your energy usage gradually increased even though your workplace hasn’t changed? Assessing your energy bills can help you narrow down any possible issues with your HVAC system.
Change Your Filters
Changing the filters in your HVAC unit is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your energy consumption and better regulate your office’s temperature. A dirty or clogged filter will restrict the airflow in the system, which causes the unit to expend more energy than necessary.
The general rule is to clean or change your HVAC filter every three months. Some businesses may need to replace the filters monthly, though. Regularly check your air filters to ensure that they’re in good working condition. The cost of replacing them is far less than the cost of an inefficient HVAC system.
Seal Heating and Cooling Ducts
Even a small leak in an HVAC duct can be detrimental to your workplace’s energy efficiency. If you’ve noticed a recent change in your office’s energy usage or temperature regulation, check the heating and cooling ducts.
One option for fixing leaky ducts is sealing tape, which is a quick and easy method for a layperson. However, the results are usually not as effective or long-lasting as they can be with other methods. Mastic sealant and aerosol sealant tend to work better, although they can be more difficult to apply. If your business has several big leaks in the ducts, you should contact a professional to have them sealed.
Use Programmable Thermostats
Most commercial spaces are only occupied for part of the day, so you can reduce your energy bill by adjusting the thermostat when the building is empty. Manually adjusting the temperature in an office can be difficult, though. It can be hard to fine-tune the system and avoid drastic changes in temperature, which could be frustrating for your employees and customers.
With a programmable thermostat, you can precisely set the temperature based on the day and time. This allows you to set a comfortable temperature during the work day and relax your energy usage during off-hours. A programmable thermostat will kick in automatically, so your workplace will reach the right temperature by the time you and your employees arrive.
Schedule Preventative Maintenance
Even the newest, most advanced HVAC systems need regular maintenance. Routine quality checks are easier and more cost-efficient than waiting to hire a professional until something is severely broken. By hiring a service technician to inspect your HVAC unit and perform preventative maintenance, you can reduce your energy bill and save money on costly repairs.
It’s recommended that you schedule preventative maintenance once per year. However, if your business has an older HVAC unit, it may be wise to bring in a service technician in the spring and in the fall.
Your workday will be much more enjoyable when your office maintains a comfortable temperature. By taking proper care of your HVAC system, you’ll reduce your energy bill while improving the system’s efficiency. If you have any questions or concerns about your commercial HVAC setup, reach out to West Texas Refrigeration for advice.
