February has arrived and with it comes cool temperatures. This is often when energy bills rise for warehouses, office buildings, and other commercial properties. Now is a good time to look closely at your energy usage, reassess any protocols or systems that you have in place to help conserve energy, and find some new ways to ensure energy and money isn’t wasted. Here are some strategies to consider.
Make sure your heating systems are functioning at optimal efficiency.
Not sure if your commercial heating system is running efficiently? The best way to find out is to schedule a professional tuneup from our team at Specialty Heating and Cooling. We will run an energy efficiency check, make sure all of the components are calibrated and working in alignment with each other, and that there are no potential problem spots. Small issues now could turn into big problems later. That could translate to a broken-down system, lost work or sales, and a potentially expensive repair.
Check your insulation and fix leaks.
Winter weather brings cold winds and when those drafts make it into your commercial or office space, it can be uncomfortable. Not to mention, it requires your heating system to work harder than necessary, ultimately causing energy bills to creep up. So, make sure your insulation in basements, utility rooms, crawlspaces, attics, and walls is adequate. If you notice drafty doors or windows, seal them immediately to ensure that precious warm air doesn’t leak out. This is an easy and relatively low-cost way to reduce energy waste and keep your buildings more comfortable.
Take advantage of programmable thermostats.
A programmable thermostat is one of the best ways you can save energy. These thermostats work in tandem with most existing commercial HVAC systems and are easy to use. Simply program the thermostat to stay at a comfortable temperature when you need it most and when you’re closed for business, program it to turn down slightly. There’s no need to heat empty rooms or spaces that aren’t being used for a long period of time, as this can be a money and energy waster. Program the thermostat to crank up the temperature back up to ideal temperature before you or your team arrives. And if you’re on the go? No problem. Adjust everything from your smartphone.
Encourage energy-conscious operations company-wide.
Adopting an energy-savings policy is important for Oregon businesses. Encourage employees to turn off lights that aren’t being used and to power down their technology or other equipment at the end of the workday. If they step away from their desk or other equipment, be sure power saving modes are activated. In addition, remind staff to keep windows and doors closed while the heating system is running.
Small adjustments to your company energy savings plan can lead to meaningful savings not just during the winter, but all year long! If you need to schedule your professional HVAC tuneup, are curious about a commercial HVAC system replacement this winter or upcoming spring, or you are concerned that there’s something that needs to be repaired, call our experienced team at Specialty Heating and Cooling. Our licensed technicians can help you get your system running at peak efficiency so you can get on with growing a successful business.
Contact us today!