Any business in West Virginia will tell you that HVAC systems are one of the biggest energy drains on their electric bill. According to ENERGY STAR, air conditioning accounts for roughly 15% of electricity used in commercial buildings. And much of this HVAC-powering energy is lost to waste; roughly 30% is wasted in the average commercial building.
Peter Biermayer, the Senior Product Manager at PG&E for commercial HVAC and refrigeration out in California, shares some advice to help business owners and managers in the West Virginia region reduce wasted HVAC energy and reduce their overhead.
And all of these tips can be made even more effective by working with a qualified HVAC technician in the Kearneysville, WV area.
1. Reduce Wasted Energy by Regularly Changing HVAC Filters
Biermayer explains that dirty filters overwork HVAC systems by restricting air flow, cost far more to use, lead to poor indoor air quality, and result in far more commercial HVAC maintenance issues. Business managers should check HVAC filters and change them monthly. At the longest, HVAC filters should be switched out every quarter. Changing out dirty filters can reduce wasted energy costs by 5-10%.
2. Use Programmable Thermostats
In any office, the temperature setting can be a bone of contention among the staff. Biermayer recommends cutting that out of the equation entirely:
Installing programmable thermostats removes much of the burden of tailoring temperature settings to meet the desires of a diverse workforce and customer base by focusing on sustainability and reduced costs.
And the cost savings from programmable thermostats are substantial too. Building temperatures can be set to run at higher or lower temperatures (depending on the season) when indoor spaces are not in use, which can save hundreds of dollars a year.
Finding an HVAC technician in Kearneysville, WV with commercial experience can help business managers find the most effective programmable thermostats for their businesses.
3. Keep on Top of Commercial HVAC Maintenance
Biermayer believes that “commercial HVAC maintenance is like getting a tune-up for a car – both are necessary for top performance. Regular quality maintenance on all HVAC systems and equipment ensures that those systems and equipment are not wasting energy due to substandard, aging or faulty performance.”
Your friendly Shenandoah Air Conditioning & Heating technician can help you reduce your electricity costs by 40% by providing regular quality maintenance.
4. Properly Seal Heating and Cooling Ducts
Properly sealing heating and cooling ducts can boost HVAC efficiency by 20% or more. Ducts can be sealed using mastic, foil tape, or blown-in duct sealant. The sealing effect is further improved by wrapping the ducts in insulation. Focus first on areas that are unprotected, such as underneath the building or in storage spaces.
5. New HVAC Installation May Save You More Long-Term
Sometimes the best way to improve HVAC efficiency is by replacing old existing HVAC systems. Running HVAC equipment past is suggested lifespans can lead to exorbitant energy and maintenance costs. Biermayer explains further:
If a building’s air conditioner or heat pump is more than 10 years old, replace it with ENERGY STAR-certified products. ENERGY STAR-certified air conditioners and heat pumps can improve sustainability and reduce energy costs by up to 20%. Furnaces or boilers that are more than 15 years old will also likely be due for upgrades or replacement, and ENERGY STAR-certified furnaces and boilers also offer significant cost and energy savings.
6. Work with a qualified local HVAC contractor in West Virginia
To get most out of any HVAC system, work with a qualified expert. Our own experienced HVAC contractors work with many local businesses in the Kearneysville, Martinsburg, and Hagerstown areas of West Virginia; and they dealt with all manner of commercial equipment.
Shenandoah Air Conditioning & Heating contractors can perform regular checkups and advise business owners on when and how to perform necessary maintenance.
For more information, read about our Maintenance Agreements and Services.
