How to Save Money on Energy Costs With Your Commercial AC System
On December 15, 2023 by Walter PowellCommercial HVAC systems can be significant investments. So, facility managers (FMs) must focus on ways to make their money’s worth.
One way to do this is to optimize their commercial AC systems for efficiency.
Turn Down the Temperature
Commercial AC systems are essential to a business’ indoor environment but can also be a significant source of energy consumption. Fortunately, several ways exist to reduce this energy usage without sacrificing employee comfort.
One of the best ways to reduce your energy costs is by reducing the temperature. Ideally, it would help if you tried to keep the building between 68 and 76 degrees during the summer. This is a comfortable temperature for most people, and it can be made even more comfortable by using zoning systems that allow different areas or ‘zones’ of the building to be controlled independently.
Another way to keep the temperature down is by reducing the heat production of large equipment, such as computers and printers, during the day. Lights should be kept on a lower wattage and turned off during unoccupied hours, and curtains and blinds should be closed to prevent the sun from overheating a room.
Change Your Filters
Changing your filters is one of the easiest ways to cut energy costs. Keeping them clean reduces the building’s humidity, air pollutants, and allergens.
When you change your filters, please turn off the commercial HVAC system before removing and replacing them. This prevents clogs and possibly lasting damage to the unit.
Also, check the filter size label to ensure you have the correct size replacement. A filter of the wrong size can cause your system to work overtime, resulting in higher energy bills.
Aside from changing your filters, another way to reduce energy consumption is to stagger the HVAC systems’ operating times to avoid peak demand charges. Your AC systems Hollywood, FL technicians can advise you on how to do this. Also, consider upgrading your commercial HVAC system to a more efficient model. It may cost more upfront but will pay for itself in lower energy bills.
Install a Dehumidifier
Commercial dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from air that is circulated through ductwork. They help to keep indoor relative humidity levels between 30-50%, a healthy range. They are a low-maintenance addition that significantly lowers energy costs and increases comfort.
High humidity is a significant cause of water damage and mildew in buildings. It also causes uncomfortable conditions and encourages staff to make unnecessary thermostat adjustments that waste energy.
Dehumidifiers convert humidity into water droplets and direct them toward a drain or collection tank. Whole-facility dehumidifiers can be duct-connected to return or supply ductwork, automatically removing moisture as air is circulated through the HVAC system. They also have dedicated drains to eliminate the need to empty the tank. When sized correctly by a professional, they can save you money on energy costs each year.
Install a UV Light
Commercial HVAC systems are crucial for maintaining comfortable indoor environments in office complexes and retail businesses, but they’re also a significant source of energy consumption, driving up utility bills. Thankfully, there are steps that business owners can take to save energy and still have their buildings adequately cooled and heated throughout the year.
For example, always keep vents open and never block them with furniture or other items that could obstruct airflow. This will ensure that the entire building receives the same temperature and reduce the time the AC system runs to achieve it.
Another way to save money on your commercial AC system is by installing a UV light, which will kill bacteria and viruses contaminating the air. This will further reduce the number of times the AC system has to run to clean the air and prevent illnesses among your employees and customers. Energy savings are easy to come by when you follow these simple tips.
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