When you are operating your commercial building, saving energy also means saving money.
When you are a property manager or business owner, you know how important it is to save energy. Saving energy contributes to improved cost savings; in fact, the Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that the typical commercial building will waste up to 33% of the energy it uses. Here is a helpful guide to help you save energy while operating your commercial building.
Initiate an Energy Audit
Saving energy starts with determining how much energy you use in the first place. You can begin the energy audit process by reviewing your current energy bills. Along with your bills, you should also review the records you kept for any maintenance on your commercial building. After that, inspect your building’s lighting and commercial HVAC systems. You might find that smaller and simpler solutions, such as unblocking vents can make a significant difference. What if your building’s HVAC equipment hasn’t undergone preventative maintenance lately? If you haven’t already, consider the merits of preventative maintenance
Prioritize Preventative Maintenance
Another way to save energy is to prioritize preventative maintenance. Preventative maintenance can help your commercial HVAC systems run more smoothly. By implementing preventative maintenance, you can avoid costlier repairs caused by neglect. Some examples of problems that can be eliminated by proper maintenance include:
- Congested filters
- Filthy ductwork and coils
- Vents caked with dust
- Worn out components
Choose Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems
Upgrading your existing commercial HVAC systems can significantly benefit your energy and costs savings. One possible upgrade to consider is the variable refrigerant flow or VRF system. A VRF system can deliver heating and cooling at the same time throughout your commercial building. Even if different areas of your facility require varying levels of heating or cooling, a VRF system can meet those needs. Small units can be controlled for individual rooms, so empty rooms will receive minimal heat and air conditioning, which means that the vast majority of these resources can be rerouted to places that are frequently visited.
Use Smart Technology and Retrofits
By using smart technology and taking advantage of retrofits, you can reduce your building’s energy usage even more. Smart technology will monitor the human presence and adjust the level of lighting, heating, or cooling, depending on what parts of your building are currently in use. If no one is there, the technology will automatically switch off any lighting, heating, or cooling systems. Even if your employees forget to turn off lights or power down HVAC systems at the end of the day, smart technology can compensate for human error.
Retrofitting your current HVAC system can be beneficial as well. A retrofit can serve as a temporary measure against total system replacement by upgrading individual components such as compressors, condenser fans, and ventilation. The Department of Energy found that a retrofit can boost energy savings by up to 35%, so performing a system retrofit may benefit your business more than you might think.
Crockett Facilities Can Help!
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) is committed to helping building owners, property managers, engineers, and facility professionals lower their operating expenses through HVAC preventive maintenance. We can develop a cost-effective, customized preventive maintenance plan for your commercial building that will provide you with peace of mind, improved comfort, and energy savings.
To learn more about the importance of HVAC Preventive Maintenance, please contact us at 202.600.2787 or sales@crockett-facilities.com. Our PM contract customers receive priority service with 24/7 emergency service in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.