Energy-Saving HVAC Upgrades for Commercial Properties in the Cold Months
Maryland businesses are preparing for the coldest months of the year, where average daily temperatures range from 28-45 degrees Fahrenheit. As winter approaches, you need to make sure your HVAC systems are ready. Otherwise, you could face increased utility bills and underperformance. The question is, which energy-saving HVAC upgrades are a worthwhile investment? Here are some practical options to help your commercial property stay efficient and warm through the cold months.
Upgrade to an Energy-Saving HVAC System
If your HVAC system is over 10-15 years old, it might be time for a new, energy-saving HVAC solution. Older systems are typically less efficient than new models and may be unable to accommodate energy-saving HVAC upgrades like heat recovery ventilation technology.
A modern, energy-saving HVAC system can significantly save your heating bills. They can also heat your building more evenly, which reduces cold spots and improves overall employee comfort. Using less power also means that energy-saving HVAC systems are better for the environment. They can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide long-term utility bill reductions, which you can allocate to other business needs.
Install Programmable or Smart Thermostats
One of the most straightforward energy-saving HVAC solutions is a smart thermostat. These devices allow you to set heating schedules based on estimated occupancy, so you’re not wasting energy heating empty spaces.
Smart thermostats offer many benefits over traditional thermostats. You can set different temperatures for working hours, after hours, and weekends to optimize energy usage. They can also be controlled remotely, allowing you to adjust temperatures from a smartphone or computer.
The best thermostats provide real-time energy usage data, helping you identify and address any potential issues.
Improve Insulation and Seal Air Leaks
Proper insulation is essential for maintaining a consistent temperature inside your building and reducing the workload on your HVAC system. Even the most efficient systems will struggle to keep up if warm air constantly escapes. Look at your building’s walls, roof, windows, and doors. The insulation in these areas should meet local standards for commercial buildings.
You’ll also need to seal any air leaks. Finding and addressing air leaks is one of the most essential forms of winterization and can help create an energy-saving HVAC system. By investing in better insulation and addressing leaks, you’ll reduce the strain on your HVAC system and improve its lifespan.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Routine inspections can identify potential issues that may be undermining your HVAC equipment. Schedule maintenance ahead of the winter season to ensure your system is prepared to handle the increased demand of colder months.
Your in-house maintenance team can handle basic tasks like cleaning vents and replacing old air filters. However, you may need to enlist the services of a commercial HVAC team like The Severn Group to handle more extensive maintenance work, such as calibrating your thermostat and cleaning your ducts.
Preventive maintenance not only improves the efficiency of your equipment but also helps avoid costly repairs. An HVAC professional from The Severn Group can assess your system and perform necessary maintenance to maximize the efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment.
Consider Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) Systems
Heat recovery ventilation systems can help make your existing heating and cooling equipment into an energy-saving HVAC solution. These systems work by capturing heat from the exhaust air and transferring it to incoming fresh air, which reduces the need for your HVAC system to reheat the air.
By recovering and reusing heat, HRV systems reduce the work your HVAC system needs to do. These solutions can also extend the life of your equipment, as it won’t have to work as hard to maintain a steady temperature.
Purchase Variable Speed Fans and Compressors
Basic fans and compressors are limited to preset output settings. Variable speed fans and compressors allow your HVAC system to adjust its output based on the building’s real-time heating needs. This feature makes them more energy-efficient than traditional systems with fixed speeds.
Variable systems reduce on-and-off cycling, which conserves energy and provides more consistent comfort throughout your commercial building. With the ability to match the heating output to the precise demand, variable-speed fans and compressors consume less power, leading to lower energy costs.
Optimize Humidity Levels
Maintaining the proper humidity level in your building can make a significant difference in both comfort and heating efficiency. If humidity levels get too low, the air may feel cooler, causing your team members to raise the thermostat and increase energy usage.
There are multiple ways to regain control of the humidity in your building. Consider adding humidifiers to your HVAC system to keep humidity at optimal levels. You should also monitor indoor humidity to ensure indoor air does not have too much or too little moisture.
Controlling indoor humidity is a simple way to help your heating system operate more efficiently while discouraging staff members from bumping up the thermostat.
Have Questions About Energy-Saving HVAC Upgrades? Contact The Severn Group
Have questions about energy-saving HVAC upgrades for your commercial property? The Severn Group provides comprehensive HVAC services to clients throughout Maryland and the surrounding area. Our experienced team members can help you identify which upgrades will provide the most significant efficiency gains while delivering long-term cost savings.
Contact The Severn Group to learn more about maximizing your HVAC system’s energy efficiency this winter.
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