How to Save Money Cooling Your Commercial Building

From skyrocketing energy bills to overworked air conditioning systems, cooling a commercial building during the scorching summer months can present a significant challenge. It becomes even more critical in Washington County and surrounding areas where summer temperatures frequently climb. The good news is, with a strategic approach, there are numerous ways to enhance your cooling efficiency and significantly save on costs without sacrificing comfort. Let's delve into the nitty-gritty of how to save money cooling your commercial building.

How to Save Money Cooling Your Commercial Building in Washington County and surrounding areas

In regions like Washington County where summers can be brutally hot, it's essential to understand the factors that contribute to high cooling costs. This understanding will allow us to strategize ways to cool our buildings more efficiently.

The first step to save money is to conduct regular energy audits. Energy audits help identify areas in your building that are energy-inefficient, allowing you to address them and improve overall energy performance. An energy audit typically includes a review of your building's insulation, HVAC system, and lighting, among other features.

One of the most effective ways to save money is to leverage energy-efficient technologies and strategies. This could mean replacing outdated HVAC equipment with high-efficiency units or even implementing a more energy-efficient design into your building, such as utilizing natural ventilation or installing a cool roof. Remember, every degree matters. For instance, raising the thermostat by just one degree can lead to a 3% decrease in cooling costs.

1. Replace Dirty Air Filters

Air filters play a critical role in maintaining air quality within your commercial building. They trap dust, pollen, and other particulates, preventing them from recirculating through your HVAC system. Over time, these filters can become clogged, reducing airflow and forcing your AC to work harder than necessary, thereby driving up energy costs.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing dirty filters can lower your AC's energy consumption by 5% to 15%. Therefore, frequent filter changes, at least once every three months, can significantly boost your AC's efficiency and lifespan, leading to considerable energy savings.

2. Service Your Ducts

Ducts are often the unsung heroes of HVAC systems. They carry cooled air from your AC unit throughout your commercial building. But ducts can lose their efficiency due to leaks, cracks, or improper insulation, leading to substantial energy waste.

Research suggests that about 20 to 30% of the air that moves through duct systems is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. This loss can drastically increase energy costs and place unnecessary stress on your HVAC system. Regular duct servicing, which involves sealing and insulating ducts, can mitigate this issue and significantly enhance your HVAC system's efficiency, leading to lower energy costs.

3. Check Your HVAC System Size

The size of your HVAC system matters more than you may think. Both undersized and oversized systems can result in inefficient cooling and higher energy bills. An undersized system will struggle to cool your building adequately, running continuously and consuming a lot of power. On the other hand, an oversized system will cycle on and off too often, leading to increased wear and tear and a shortened lifespan.

According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, a correctly sized HVAC system can reduce energy use by 20 to 40 percent compared to systems that are too large. If you're unsure about your HVAC system's size, consider consulting with HVAC professionals like those at Best Owner Direct HVAC. They can provide a proper load calculation based on your building's size, insulation levels, and other factors to determine the ideal HVAC system size for your needs.

4. Invest in Programmable Thermostats

An excellent energy-saving device for your commercial building is a programmable thermostat. These devices offer the convenience of setting specific temperatures for different times of the day, week, and even season. For instance, you can program the thermostat to increase the temperature when the building is unoccupied, thereby conserving energy. According to Energy.gov, you can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling costs by simply lowering your thermostat by 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours per day. Programmable thermostats make this easy by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your preset schedules.

5. Upgrade Your HVAC System!

Sometimes, the best way to save on cooling costs is to invest in a new HVAC system, especially if yours is old and inefficient. Modern HVAC systems come with high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings – a measure of cooling efficiency. Higher SEER ratings equate to greater energy efficiency and lower energy costs. Upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system might involve a significant upfront cost, but the long-term savings on energy bills can be substantial, potentially saving up to 20% or more on cooling costs.

6. Keep Up With Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance is critical to the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. Regular check-ups and tune-ups can help detect and address potential issues early, saving you from costly repairs or replacements down the line. More importantly, routine maintenance ensures your system operates at peak efficiency, thereby reducing energy consumption and saving money. This involves tasks like cleaning and replacing filters, cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils, checking the refrigerant level, and inspecting and servicing the ductwork.

Schedule an Appointment With Best Owner Direct

As a premier HVAC service provider, we understand the importance of maintaining a cool and comfortable environment in your commercial building. We provide comprehensive HVAC services tailored to your specific needs. Our team of experienced technicians uses cutting-edge equipment and techniques to ensure your HVAC system is running at its best. Whether you need an energy audit, HVAC system upgrade, or routine maintenance, we've got you covered.

Ready to enhance your cooling efficiency and save on costs? Don’t sweat the summer heat. Keep your commercial building comfortably cool without breaking the bank. Schedule an appointment with Best Owner Direct today. We strive to be your reliable partner for all your HVAC needs in Washington County and the surrounding areas. Let us help you stay cool and save money!