Commercial property expenses can quickly get out of control without proper supervision. In Central Florida, the air conditioning costs can drastically increase during the hot summer months. Luckily, there are several ways for commercial property owners to reduce cooling expenses. Whether you work to identify and repair issues yourself or hire a professional, a few critical fixes can reduce the electric bill on your commercial property for a long-term payoff.
You may not realize how many businesses dramatically ratchet up their electricity bills because of windows and entry points that are not adequately sealed. In rooms with improper seals, cold air escapes regularly. The air conditioner then has to run continuously to regulate the air temperature. The cycle repeats itself increasing expenses and putting unnecessary stress on the HVAC unit.
Take time to assess your property and identify ways that air may be escaping from the building. This is a great first step to reducing energy costs. Next, consider replacing older doors and windows with energy-efficient ones. Replacement will also help. Most importantly, ask tenants to be conscious of when the air conditioner is running and contribute to keeping the office space windows and doors closed. This will regulate the air temperature for longer periods of time.
Another thing that increases HVAC costs is when you find yourself with units that are in constant need of repair. If your system is older and requires additional maintenance or part replacement, you will not get the continuous cooling your property needs, not to mention the extra expense of the repairs.
Before choosing a new system, work with a professional to purchase a high-efficiency HVAC unit that meets your commercial property’s needs. Energy Star ratings, which include SEER ratings and EER ratings are available on all new AC units. Better insulation and more efficient parts combine to offer the most energy-efficient options with newer units.
Regardless of the age, your unit should undergo preventative maintenance. Schedule regular maintenance for your AC including having a professional clean out the unit’s internal parts at least once every three months to reduce cooling expenses.
Finally, remember that regularly changing the HVAC filters can reduce the amount of energy that gets wasted by 5 to 10 percent!
Improperly sized or designed ductwork is the most common reason people are not comfortable in their own homes or office. Uncomfortable temperatures cause people to decrease the thermostat settings and increase the energy costs. By custom fabricating sheet metal ductwork, a professional contractor should be able to quickly and efficiently build any necessary parts of the duct needed to modify and enhance the performance of your system.
You may not be able to feel it, but regular light bulbs can increase a room’s temperature by quite a bit. The heat of older bulbs can cause the AC to have to work harder and use more electricity. Opt for LED bulbs instead, which are the coolest lamp types on the market. Finally, make sure to turn the lights off when a room is not in use to avoid heating up the unused space.
Even if your entire duct system needs replacement, Ball Building Services can design and fabricate a new duct system in less than a day. Not only do we specialize in duct replacement, but we can also help you find the best HVAC unit to support your commercial space and save you money. Contact us today to learn more.