Business owners have two types of expenses in their companies: static costs like rent that never change and dynamic costs like hourly payroll and materials that fluctuate seasonally. Most companies would prefer their energy bills to be static, but they can dramatically increase over time. If you’ve noticed that your energy bill is chipping into your profits, it could be time for a change. Here are three ways to decrease the energy use in your company while making your employees more comfortable.
Upgrade Your Existing System
Image via Flickr by KOMUnews
HVAC systems typically last between 15 and 20 years before they start to show wear. While some models can last 30 years, they become less efficient over time. This is particularly true in high-use situations like businesses that are located in hot or humid climates.
If your HVAC system was around to see the new millennium, then it could be time to replace it. Systems made in the ’90s have different efficiency standards than the models created today. By upgrading your system to a more efficient model, you can save energy and the environment. An HVAC technician can evaluate your model to determine how much of your energy bill is due to an outdated system and what models you can use to lower your costs.
Choose the Right Unit for Your Business
One of the main problems business owners have is finding an HVAC unit that matches the size of their business. If the unit is too large, then your energy bills will skyrocket because it requires more energy to power. However, if your unit is too small, you could end up running it longer or struggle to push cool air throughout the entire business.
Your local HVAC specialist can recommend the right size unit for your business so you can find the sweet spot between too big and too small. If you suspect your unit is too small, check to see if some rooms get cooler than others. You might need a large model or a ductless air system to cool that room.
Schedule Regular Maintenance Checks and Cleanings
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Scheduling regular maintenance checks can help you spot problems ahead of time and reduce the likelihood of your system breaking. These improvements can also improve efficiency by removing blockages and cleaning out clogged hoses. Instead of waiting years for your HVAC system to get clogged and shut down, you can keep it running efficiently with regular cleanings.
You should also make sure your air ducts are cleaned regularly to improve air flow. This will make it easier for the cool air to travel through your office and improve the indoor air quality in the building. If you have employees who suffer from allergies or are sensitive to dust, this will be a welcome improvement to their work environment.
Don’t wait for your HVAC system to break to make changes to it. By improving its efficiency and performance on a regular basis, you can keep your office at a comfortable temperature all year round and save money at the same time.
