Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems account for a sizable portion of a company’s energy usage.  A typical HVAC system accounts for 40% of a building’s total energy consumption.  According to the Department of Energy, much of the energy and cost that goes into powering the HVAC system is lost to waste – upwards of 30% in the average commercial building.  It is clear to see that optimizing the efficiency of an commercial HVAC system will have a big impact on the bottom line.

What can businesses do to stop the waste and reduce their energy costs?  You may be surprised to find out that some of the steps require little to no expense!  The steps that are more complex offer excellent return on investment.  These tips will help businesses reduce operating costs and improve environmental sustainability.

1.  Reduce wasted energy by 5-10% by regularly changing HVAC filters.  Dirty filters overwork HVAC systems by restricting air flow.  This results in higher operating costs, lower indoor air quality, and increased maintenance issues and costs.  HVAC filters should be checked on a quarterly basis.  Checking and replacing filters is the easiest step in reducing energy waste.  EES can also do the filter checks for you as part of our Optimum Maintenance Plan.
2.  Use Programmable Thermostats, Controls,, or a Building Management System.  Temperature settings in a business can be a battle.  Installing programmable thermostats or a control system programs the system to run when space is in use and turn off when the space is not.  EES Facility Services has open platform control systems for any sized company.  As a Authorized Building Control Specialist, we can design a system that does the work for you and saves you money.
3. Reduce Maintenance Costs with Regular Quality Maintenance.  Commercial HVAC system maintenance is necessary for optimal performance.  Even a brand new energy efficient HVAC system will end up wasting energy without the tune up that a maintenance program provides.  Tuning up the system on a regular basis will reduce HVAC costs by up to 40%.  The key to unlocking this savings is to find the right company with the knowledge and experience to properly maintain your system.  EES Facility Services has the knowledge and experience to do just that.
4. Properly Seal Heating and Cooling Ducts.  Simply sealing the heating and cooling ducts in a building can improve efficiency by 20% or more.
5. HVAC Upgrades and HVAC Replacement Will Improve Efficiency.  Sometimes the best way to improve an older HVAC’s efficiency is through replacing it.  HVAC systems all have a suggested lifespan.  Running a system past this usually only leads to exorbitant energy and maintenance costs.  It is suggested to replace heat pumps or air conditioners at about 10 years.  Furnaces and boilers should be replaced after 15 years.  Retrofitting existing rooftop HVAC units with controls and sensors is another effective way to improve energy efficiency.  There are also many rebates and tax credits available when replacing with energy efficient models.  Let EES help design and install your most efficient system yet.
6. Work with a Qualified HVAC Contractor.  In order to get the most out of any HVAC equipment, it is important to work with a qualified contractor.  Contractors can complete the system tune ups and help customers decide on best practices for energy savings.

EES Facility Services has been in business for over 45 years providing the knowledge and experience to help our customers reduce their energy costs, maintain their HVAC systems, and design and install  the most cost-effective, energy-saving replacements when that time comes.  Let us help you optimize your HVAC system and stop energy waste!

Share this post