When you own or manage a business, overhead costs are likely always on your mind. During the colder months of the year, it can be easy to consume more energy as the temperatures drop, which increases utility bills. As a business owner, it’s important to be aware of ways you can keep your business energy-efficient this winter in Windermere, FL.
1. Perform HVAC Maintenance
When an HVAC system doesn’t get enough maintenance throughout the year, it can become less efficient and work harder than necessary to operate. Hire a professional to replace the filter, clean the coils and look for any debris that may be affecting the operation of the system. If any issues are present, they can diagnose the problem and perform the necessary commercial HVAC repairs.
2. Seal Air Ducts
You can improve the efficiency of the HVAC system on the property by 20% by sealing heating and cooling ducts. Look for someone who specializes in sealing the ducts to ensure you hire the right expert. Over time, this can prevent air loss and lower utility bills.
3. Weigh the Costs of Replacing the HVAC System
If your HVAC system is over 10-15 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. If the heat pump is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with an Energy Star-certified product, which will work more efficiently and conserve more energy. You should replace furnaces that are older than 15 years old because they tend to use more energy than necessary to operate as they attempt to heat the entire building.
Upgraded systems can be expensive, but they can also save you money over time. Unreliable systems cost more in utilities, repair costs and lost business opportunities if the system breaks down. Newer systems aren’t only more reliable, but they come with a large increase in efficiency over models produced a decade ago.
4. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are effective in reducing your carbon footprint because they can prevent the internal temperature in the building from fluctuating as much. You can save a lot of money each year by installing a thermostat, which is convenient for regularly changing schedules.
You can combine programmable thermostats with zoned systems to only heat or cool the section of the business that you need. This means you can be comfortable while performing bookkeeping in the back office without heating the section of your business when it’s closed and empty.
5. Get Regular Maintenance
One of the most common mistakes you can make when it comes to caring for your building is forgetting to change the filter on your furnace or HVAC system. When the filter becomes dirty, it can affect the airflow, which can cause the parts to work harder than necessary to operate. Changing the filter every month or two can put less strain on the system and improve its operation to ensure the parts last longer.
Consider signing up for a commercial HVAC maintenance plan with a professional technician to ensure your HVAC system is correctly monitored throughout the year. We can remind you of when it’s time to perform maintenance to avoid potential problems each month. Our technicians will inspect, clean and calibrate your system. In addition, they will be able to identify issues before they come big and expensive.
Regular tune-ups will also give you an idea of how well your system is working. A professional will be able to let you know if your system is running well and will last several more years or if you should plan for a replacement or major repair within the next 18 months. This can help you avoid a costly surprise on your business’s books.
Knowing the steps to take to keep your business energy-efficient in the winter is important for keeping your costs low without sacrificing your comfort indoors. Call ACR Air Conditioning & Refrigeration today to schedule commercial HVAC maintenance on your commercial property in Windermere, FL.
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