Prioritizing preventative maintenance can help the HVAC system last longer as it doesn’t need to work as hard as it once did.
Now that a new year is here, we all hope that life as we know it can return to how it was before the COVID-19 pandemic arose. However, the coronavirus has had an undeniable transformative impact on all sectors of our society and that is simply a reality we must all acknowledge in order to keep one another safe. In times like these, saving energy and money might not seem like the biggest priority, but it still matters.
Run Another Energy Audit
When was the last time you conducted an energy audit? This step can help you determine what your energy needs really are, and how to make the most of the supply that your building receives. Programmable thermostats are a tremendous help in this regard. Likewise, wise zoning choices along with computerized building automation systems also give you a greater degree of control over your energy consumption levels.
Add Air Economizers
Air economizers make a noticeable difference in both warm weather and cold weather. Since they measure the air outside your building, it assesses whether the conditions are sufficiently cool and dry to pump the outside air into your HVAC system instead of activating the air conditioner. With spring returning in a few months, there is no time like the present to plan for its arrival.
Adjust the Thermostat
Changing the settings on the thermostat comes with a certain degree of caution – think about your coworkers, guests, and other tenants and how comfortable they are. ASHRAE standards indicate that a temperature range of 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit is acceptable for ordinary office work due to how sedentary it is. A study conducted by Cornell University found that office work output improved by an astounding 150% when the inside temperature was set to 77 degrees.
Protect Outdoor HVAC Units
Another easy-to-perform task is ensuring that all outdoor HVAC units are maintained properly. Leaves, debris, and dirt can clog up the filters and inner workings of these systems, and rooftop units could be subject to intrusion by birds or insects that will hinder how efficiently those systems can run.
Prioritize Preventative Maintenance
Finally, discuss with other stakeholders the necessity of any maintenance work that should be carried out. Prioritizing preventative maintenance can help the HVAC system last longer as it doesn’t need to work as hard as it once did. Cleanings and tune-ups are simple measures that pay incredible dividends especially when you are concerned about potential lost business due to downtime!
Crockett Facilities Can Help!
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) is committed to helping building owners, property managers, engineers, and facility professionals navigate the post-COVID-19 environment. We can develop a cost-effective, customized program for your building that will mitigate the potential health risks of COVID-19. Click Here to Request a Quote
To learn more about the importance of reopening your building safely, please contact us at 202.600.2787 or mford@crockett-facilities.com. Our PM contract customers receive priority service with 24/7 emergency service in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!