Are cooling costs for your building taking a big chunk out of your business's bottom line? Or do you own a commercial building where you cover the heating and air conditioning costs for your tenants? If so, air conditioning costs may be one of your largest expense items. That's especially true if you operate in an area that experiences hot temperatures in the summer months.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to maintain a comfortable work environment while also reducing your energy costs. While it's possible that you may need to upgrade or replace your air conditioner, that's not the only option. There are simpler and more cost-effective options that could have a big impact on your cooling costs. Below are three such steps. If you haven't tried these tips, now may be the time to do so.
Change the air filters more frequently. This may be one of the most important steps you can take to keep your building's cooling costs under control. The air filter pulls dirt, dust, and other particles out of the air flow. However, the filter becomes dirty itself over time. Once your filter is clogged with dirt and debris, it's harder for air to find its way through. That means the air conditioner has to work harder to pump air into your building, which increases your utility costs.
Include filter replacement as a regular part of your building's maintenance schedule, perhaps even on a monthly basis. If your work creates a high amount of dust or other contaminants, you may want to consider high-grade filters that capture even the smallest of particles.
Check for duct leaks. It's possible for your air ducts to develop leaks over time. Screws can come loose and joints can come apart. When those gaps in the duct develop, they create a space for air to leak out. That means your air conditioner has to work even harder to get cool air into your building. Have an air conditioning specialist inspect your ducts and look for leaks. They can replace screws and even apply a sealant over joints. That will help your air conditioner operate more efficiently.
Use programmable thermostats. Can any employee in your office change the temperature at any time? You may want to rethink that decision. Instead, consider using a programmable thermostat. You can preset the temperature at a comfortable level. You can even program the temperature to increase slightly during the evening when there may not be workers in the building. Some commercial thermostats use a five-and-two setting, which means you can set different temperatures for the weekdays and the weekend. By adjusting the temperature to align with staffing, you could cut a significant amount off your utility bill.
Ready to get your cooling costs under control? Contact a commercial air conditioning service like Robison Air in your area. They can inspect your system and offer recommendations.
Share25 September 2018
Hi there, my name is Shelley. Welcome to my site about electric heating systems. Electric heat has recently fallen out of favor due to the efficiency of natural gas systems. Electric heat is still suitable for small buildings that do not need the high temps provided by upgraded systems. I will use this site to explore all of the building types that can benefit from electric heating systems. I will also share information about system components, installations and repairs. I welcome you to come by often to learn more about this exciting topic. Thanks for coming by. See you soon.