Commercial HVAC systems are designed to make huge spaces comfortable when temperatures go extreme. Modern HVAC units are packed with smart features to be as effective and energy efficient as possible. But that does not work out the way you expect it to every time. HVAC units tend to face complications like other electronic systems do. For instance, your commercial HVAC might be consuming extra energy and causing a rise in energy bills. You should consult commercial AC repair services for an inspection and recommendations. Let’s take a look at what causes an HVAC system to utilize more power than usual and what you can do to lower it.
Understand Your Heating And Cooling Needs
The first thing you need to do to lower your commercial HVAC’s energy consumption is to understand and define your needs. Since you have a commercial HVAC unit installed, it means the space or area is going to be large as well. So, you will need to focus on factors such as equipment, occupancy levels, and the overall layout of the commercial space.
For instance, areas with high-foot traffic or heat-generating equipment will need more cooling than the other areas. By analyzing the difference in temperature across the space, you will be able to adjust the temperature precisely for different zones.
Plus, if possible, you should hire an expert to conduct an energy audit. This is extremely important considering rising inflation. An energy audit will give you a clear understanding of what areas demand the most energy and where you can lower the consumption without sacrificing comfort.
Clean The Filters
Commercial HVAC units are designed to last decades but not if basic maintenance factors are overlooked. One thing you should know about commercial HVAC systems is that they are expensive. Regardless of how efficient and effective they are, if their maintenance is overlooked, they are going to be less effective if you do not look after them.
One of the basic factors and components inside an HVAC system are the air filters that play a crucial role in trapping toxicants and contaminants before the air is circulated inside the building. But what many people are not aware of is that these filters directly affect the performance and lifespan of the unit as well.
With time, these filters are supposed to get dirty and clogged. In such situations, the clogged air filters will make it harder for the commercial HVAC unit to perform. So, the unit will consume more power to make up for the loss of air.
This not only increases the electricity costs but also damages HVAC components. Therefore, to avoid this problem, you should keep an eye on the filters and frequently clean them. However, if the HVAC system happens to be old, you might need to replace the air filters especially if there are cracks or damages.
Inspect The Ductwork
Following the air filters, the air duct system has an important role to play when it comes to circulating the air inside the commercial building. With time, the ductwork system too can become clogged. During the winter season, birds, rats, and other intruders tend to take up space making it difficult for the air to pass through.
In some situations, the rats and birds may eat through and damage the ducts. This could impede air circulation big time. This is also why you need to schedule professional maintenance to ensure there are no blockages, damages, or repairs.
A clean ductwork system will be a lot easier on the HVAC system as compared to one that is clogged or leaking air. A leaking ductwork will hardly be able to contain air and cause it to escape. This will increase the energy costs as well. So, you need the ductwork system to be working perfectly fine at all times.
Use Programmable Thermostats Or Smart Controls
An HVAC system can benefit a lot from a heating or cooling strategy applied through the use of a programmable thermostat or smart controls. The entire building or space may not need to be heated or cooled at a certain temperature 24/7, so smart controls can help you program the HVAC to save energy when no one is in the office or space. Moreover, these systems allow you to control the temperature remotely so you can adjust settings any time.
Improve Insulation
A common misconception surrounding modern HVAC systems is that smart features are enough to improve energy consumption. The fact of the matter is that they will hardly be effective if your commercial building has leakages. It is normal for an old building to have leakages in the windows, doors, and other areas.
In such cases, you will need to perform a thorough inspection and make sure to cover and repair both minor and major leakages. If there are gaskets, seals, or similar insulation materials that need to be replaced, do that as soon as possible.
If the insulation around the building is weak, the HVAC system will have to work harder than usual to maintain the temperature. Then again, this will increase the energy consumption. And, since you are on a mission to lower consumption, you will need to look into such minor factors as well.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Professional maintenance is key to lowering the consumption and increasing the longevity of the unit. You might have trained your employees to regularly inspect and maintain the unit but that is not going to be enough. The reason is that sometimes repairs and replacements are needed and your time won’t be able to do that.
Plus, a thorough inspection entails going deep inside the unit using special tools and techniques. Since HVAC repair services Smithtown are equipped with the right tools and techniques, they will be able to do it a lot safer than the employees. In addition to that, professionals also offer a guarantee and warranty of their work and carry insurance if something unexpectedly damages the unit.
This allows them to cover the costs rather than expecting the business to pay for it. That said, make sure to schedule professional maintenance and maintain a maintenance log to keep track of all the repairs, replacements, and inspections.
Consider Energy Efficient Equipment
Apart from the HVAC system, you should also consider investing in energy-efficient equipment. While energy consumption is one factor, you should know that regular electronic appliances generate too much heat as well. This heat adds to the temperature and the HVAC system has to work harder.
But energy-efficient equipment with a high SEER rating will generate a lot less heat. There is no doubt that these units can be expensive but you should consider it an investment rather than an expense. Make sure to do your research and consult an expert.
Commercial requirements need expert consultation as the installation and other procedures are costly and time-consuming.
Conclusion
In most cases, keeping an eye out for unusual signs and regularly inspecting and cleaning the unit will keep most of the problems at bay. But you should always opt for professional maintenance and be a step ahead to ensure your investment is worth it till the system lasts. And only look for credible commercial HVAC companies Ronkonkoma which have skilled teams for repairs and replacements.
