Do you own a commercial building? Are you noticing that your energy bills for cooling are rising? It might be time to look at your HVAC systems and make some upgrades. According to Energy Star, wasteful energy from your commercial building can be as high as 30
Not replacing an outdated HVAC system
Have you noticed that the air conditioning system isn’t running as efficiently as it used to? Are your cooling costs increasing while your occupants’ relief is decreasing? Old HVAC units that have been serviced repeatedly and still don’t run properly may need to be replaced.
In the long term, investing in a new system will generally outweigh the costs of running an inefficient, outdated system. Along with lowering your cooling costs, your newly installed unit will also run more quietly, provide better indoor air quality, and make occupants much more comfortable. Call a professional to have your HVAC system replaced or serviced.
Using R-22 refrigerant
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, R-22 refrigerant will be completely phased out by the year 2020. This substance is a factor in the depletion of the ozone layer, so for environmental reasons, you should replace any HVAC units that use R-22 refrigerant. Because of this phase-out, refrigerant costs are escalating, and you will have to pay more to keep that unit supplied with R-22.
Upgrading from your old R-22 unit doesn’t just reduce your impact on the environment. Having a high-efficiency system will also greatly reduce your energy costs, putting money back in your pocket. If you run any type of commercial business, it is highly advisable to replace your air conditioning system as soon as possible. After all, the law will eventually require you to do so.
Not adjusting the temperature
It has been found that setting your thermostat at different temperatures throughout the day can save you as much as 10% on heating and cooling costs throughout the year. It is recommended to set your thermostat at about 78 degrees when the building is unoccupied or when the occupants are sleeping.
It makes sense to change the thermostat settings as needed. For an office building, you can set a cooler temperature for the working week and then set a warmer temperature on the weekends.
However, manually changing the thermostat can involve a lot of work. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature you desire to change throughout the day or week. Simply pre-schedule the desired temperatures for the week or day using the features within the programmable thermostat. Many modern thermostats even have remote controlled access using Wi-Fi and a smartphone. This can be convenient if you are traveling or if weather conditions change radically.