A dirty air filter can make it difficult for your AC to work efficiently. It’s recommended to replace or clean your air filters regularly; you can keep your indoor air clean and your energy costs lower.Clear Away Debris
Windy weather may have left dirt and debris in and around your unit. Your HVAC requires proper airflow to function the way it’s intended to. Vents both inside and outside of your property play a pivotal role in your unit’s optimal function. Make sure there are no leaves, dirt, plants, or other obstructions blocking the source of air. Use a heavy-duty degreaser, a hand vacuum, and good old-fashioned effort to clean away leaves and other waste caught in the unit. Cut back any vegetation within 2 feet around your unit.
Seal Your Ductwork
Leaks in an HVAC system’s ductwork is a major issue affecting homes nearly everywhere. On average, 30 percent of heating and cooling costs are wasted due to leaks in the air ducts. If you notice any indicators that there may be a leak, it is best to get that addressed as soon as you can.
Run AC with Cost Savings in Mind
Most people adjust their thermostats with comfort in mind. But to save energy and money, you should run your AC economically. It’s recommended to keep thermostats at 78 degrees or higher in the summer. Turning your thermostat up seven to 10 degrees F higher while away, or any time you’re out for more than two hours, can help you save as much as 10 percent on cooling costs.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Another way to run your AC with savings in mind is to install a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can manage the temperatures of your building according to your schedule and even be accessed via cell phone.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans have a big impact in summertime heat. The wind-chill from a fan can make temperatures feel 6-7 degrees cooler. If you want to see savings, use ceiling fans in conjunction with raising your thermostat. Doing both will help you stay cool and save money.
Reduce Sunlight Exposure
In many buildings, temperature fluctuations are caused by sunlight streaming through the windows and exposure to building surfaces. By closing your blinds and curtains during the day, you can prevent heat from entering your space by deflecting it. Install awnings, solar-shade or sun-control window tint, and apply a heat-blocking coating to your roof. Plant shade trees on the east and west sides of your building. Don’t forget to shade your AC unit. Reducing sun exposure to these areas will help you lower cooling costs in the future.
Seal Your Building
Doing a thorough job of eliminating all drafts in your business will help you lower cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter. Caulking or weather-stripping windows and doors can prevent indoor air from escaping and outdoor air from entering your space.
Invest in Insulation
Improving your building’s insulation is also an effective way of reducing cooling costs. Insulation is a top priority in many construction projects as it helps maintain indoor temperature depending on the season or climate. For instance, a well-insulated building can help prevent heat transfer by keeping the cooled environment inside.
Be Energy Smart
A lot of heat can be built up by using other appliances, machinery and office equipment. Setting computers, monitors, and copiers to use sleep-mode when not in use helps cut energy costs by approximately 40%. Remember to turn equipment off at the end of the workday. Avoid running dishwashers and other appliances during the hot hours of the day. Switch to LED bulbs for additional energy savings. Incandescent and fluorescent lights can increase the temperature far more than you realize.
Replace Outdated Air Conditioners
Old HVAC units can be a drain on your utility bill. Replacing outdated air conditioners with a new energy efficient system will pay off in the long run. When investing in a new cooling system, choose a unit with a high-efficiency rating and install it accordingly with the help of an Energy Star certified technician. It would also help to be critical of the size of the unit since undersized systems will have to work harder and require more energy to function correctly.
