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How to Save Money on Commercial Heating and Cooling Bills
In January it’s always a good time to learn and set goals for the upcoming year. In this article we look at all the ways to slash your commercial heating and cooling costs. Start after reading this article then reap the benefits even within a few short months. At the end of the year, your bottom line will leave room for other building improvements leading to further tenant and employee satisfaction.
Be Smart with Your Use of Controls
It is important to be smart with your use of controls. This means turning off the cooling system when you are away from your office, and before you leave for the day. It also means turning down or shutting off the heating system in your office when you go home so that it doesn’t waste energy. You should also set up a timer on your thermostat to turn it on during the day and off at night. We go into greater detail on building management systems (BMS) later in this article.
Hiring an Expert is a Must for Heating and Cooling Projects
When it comes to heating and cooling projects, a lot of people turn to the internet to find solutions. They may try cheap solutions or hire an expert. There is one huge difference between a cheap solution and hiring an expert: the cost. Cheap solutions are usually more expensive than hiring an expert. Hiring an expert is a must for this type of project because they have extensive experience in heating and cooling systems. That means they can save you time and money on your project. For example, if you need to cover up existing ductwork, then it’s best to hire a journeyman sheet metal technician before any work begins because they know where everything is. It also means that the expert will have access to the necessary parts needed for your project, such as vents and piping, to save you money in the long run.
Save on Demand Side Management Systems
Demand Side Management Systems are one of the most important variables in commercial heating and cooling. The cost to maintain an efficient DSS is high, but the benefits are worth it. However, maintaining your DSS is a costly affair with energy usage that is 20 times greater than standard HVAC equipment. If you want to cut costs, you need to change the way you use your DSS. How can you save on your DSS? Turn off the system when not needed: If your business does not need 24-hour service, you should turn off the system when you do not need it. This ensures that only when it’s in use will the system be running and not always on standby. Cut annual maintenance costs: Another way to save on demand-side management systems is by cutting down on annual maintenance costs. A lot of people forget they’re required twice a year, so they neglect this important step and cause more wear and tear than necessary, putting unnecessary strain on your system. Use “ECM” or Energy Conservation Mode: In ECM mode, all controls are turned off, except those that are needed to keep occupants comfortable during cooling season. This mode saves energy and reduces cost at the same time, which makes it a great option if you’re looking to save money without making the building occupants too comfortable or safe.
Save on Ventilation & Exhaust Fans
The amount of ventilation in your commercial building will depend on the square footage and number of people. Generally speaking, higher ceilings, more windows, and fewer interior walls will result in better ventilation. Ventilation systems can be very expensive. While simple exhaust fans can reduce energy bills by 15-20 percent for large spaces, larger units with multiple speeds and filters are expensive. To save money on ventilation costs, consider replacing your older systems with new ones that are more efficient. Contact us today
Know Your Building’s Thermal Needs
Commercial buildings have specific needs for heat, which must be met for the building to stay comfortable. To determine your building’s heat requirements, it’s important to know the size of your space and what types of activities are taking place in it. Thermal spaces are measured in Btu per hour, or BTUH. Depending on the type of space and how much activity is taking place in it, commercial heating and cooling costs can range from hundreds of dollars a month to thousands of dollars a month. In warmer months, you need more BTUH per square foot when the temperature is above 24 degrees Celcius. In winter, you need less BTUH per square foot. In colder weather you will need less BTUH because there is less heat generated by people’s body temperatures.
Match the Season with Heating and Cooling Materials
Heating and cooling materials are essential in commercial buildings. They keep your building safe and comfortable for customers and employees, so you should always buy the best materials for the season. Most businesses will spend up to 70 percent of their heating and cooling costs on three major areas: 1) Energy recovery 2) Air handling 3) Equipment You need to invest in the right materials when they’re needed most to save money. Heat exchangers, air handling equipment, and energy recovery devices all have seasonal needs. For example, you can install a heat control unit at any time during the year as long as it is not in use. However, it will start saving money during winter months. Another example is air handling equipment – maybe you decide to install an outdoor air handling unit because it’s cheaper than an indoor unit that needs to be taken down when temperatures reach extreme levels.
Train Employees on Best Practices
One of the most effective ways to save money on your commercial heating and cooling bills is to train your employees on best practices. Employees are the ones who will be using the equipment day in and out, so they should be trained on how to properly use it. Train your employees by focusing first on what they do during peak hours. For example, if you’re a restaurant, teach them how to turn off equipment when not in use and switch off lights when they’re not needed. The same goes for an office building; put training sessions into place for heaters and coolers that are used only during certain times of the day. To make training even more effective, have each employee sign up for a certain block of time at a certain time of the week and then allow them to choose where they want to go. For example, Monday, 1-2pm or Thursday, 8-9am. This way you’re maximizing their attendance while still having them learn all about their equipment’s functions, maintenance, and upkeep.
Install Programmable Thermostats for Any Zones Outside BMS Control
A programmable thermostat is an easy way to save money. Instead of running your air conditioning and heating units all day long, you can set them to a low temperature on days when your building has low occupancy. But what’s the best way to save money? Well, here are some things that can help:
- 1) Install programmable thermostats
- 2) Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs
- 3) Turn off non-necessary lights or install sensors for lighting
- 4) Consider adding insulation or weather stripping on doors and windows
- 5) Plan your heating and cooling schedules around daylight
- 6) Optimize your BMS with a consultation from the software developer and hardware manufacturer
Get a Weatherization Contractor in to Service Your Facility
The best way to reduce your commercial heating and cooling costs is to get a weatherization contractor in to service your facility. Weatherization is the process of making the building more energy-efficient, which will ultimately keep your costs down. By getting a weatherization contractor in to service your facility, you can improve the overall efficiency of your building as well as reduce your monthly operating cost. The way that this works is by installing insulation for windows, doors, and walls as well as installing energy efficient heating and cooling systems. Cost savings will be realized with proper weatherizing methods, but there are other benefits such as higher tenant retention rates and increased employee satisfaction. We can help you select a weatherization contractor that will help to direct your building operators to complete the necessary upgrades. Call us at (403) 860-8437
Switch to More Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems
One of the best ways to save money on commercial heating and cooling bills is by switching to more efficient heating and cooling systems. There are a variety of different systems available, but the most common ones use radiant heat or forced-air heat exchangers. The first system is radiant heat, which uses the sun to warm or cool your space. The second is forced-air heat exchangers which use air that has been heated or cooled with an outside source such as the ground, water, or air conditioner. If you have time, consider installing solar panels on your roof for even greater savings!
Insulate your Ducts and Pipes
The first step towards lowering your commercial heating and cooling bills is sealing up all the holes. If you have any leaks in your ducts or pipes, it will create a lot of loss in heat and air flow, which will raise your utility bills. To avoid this, open the door to your ducts and seal them up. With proper insulation, you’ll be able to lower your heating costs by up to 15 percent.