As outdoor temperatures steadily drop in our region, building owners are turning on their central heating systems to keep occupants safe and comfortable in offices, schools, stores, hospitals, and other commercial facilities.
If you own a commercial building, you know how expensive heating costs can be in our area. Fortunately, there are several ways you can save money on your utility bills without sacrificing comfort. Here are four tips to prepare your commercial HVAC system for winter and save energy during the cold months ahead:
Check Your Temperature
Although winter can be unbearably cold, it is important not to overcompensate for chilly weather by turning your building into a sauna. Set your thermostat to the lowest temperature that building occupants can comfortably tolerate. When everyone leaves for the day, turn the thermostat down an additional 7-10 degrees to stretch your dollars further. Installing a programmable thermostat helps to streamline this process by automatically adjusting the daily temperature according to your schedule.
Use Efficient Lighting
During winter festivities, it’s tempting to keep twinkly lights on to spread holiday cheer. However, excess lighting can put a damper on your Christmas spirit once the energy bill arrives. When decorating your facility, use LED lights made by ENERGY-STAR qualified brands, which use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than other lightbulbs.
Remember the Little Things
Adopting certain habits can also help you save money on your energy bills, such as:
- Opening your office blinds and letting in natural light on sunny days
- Rearranging office furniture next to interior walls instead of windows
- Turning off computers and other electronics before you leave for the day
These actions may seem small but will make a big impact on your energy savings in the long run.
Schedule Routine HVAC Maintenance
All of the energy-saving initiatives mentioned so far are futile without preventative maintenance of your commercial HVAC system. Scheduling an inspection with a certified HVAC technician at least once a year keeps your equipment running efficiently, which will keep your utility bills in check. Routine HVAC service also lowers the risk of unexpected and expensive equipment repairs.
Whether your building has a forced air system or a commercial boiler, our service technicians at Custom Aire have the knowledge and expertise to service all types of commercial HVAC equipment. We also offer a variety of Energy Savings Maintenance Agreements to ensure your system receives the attention it needs to stay in top shape. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and prepare your heating system for another North Dakota winter!
