The cost of cooling a workplace during the summer is enough to make business owners sweat, particularly if money is tight. While you cannot control the temperature outside, there are some things you can do in order to make your workplace cooler and reduce the cost of cooling.
The following are 5 ways to reduce the cost of cooling your business during the summer:
1. Opt for Energy Star Products
Choose ACs with an energy star rating for your commercial building if you want to make sure that the units consume relatively less energy as compared to other conventional units available on the market. What type of AC you choose really does not matter, because both window and central energy star air conditioners offer the same cooling performance as their non-energy star counterparts but consume relatively less power. Energy star window ACs reportedly consume 10% less energy while the centralized units can function on at least 14% less energy as compared to conventional units.
Do not hesitate to replace inefficient AC units with energy star ones if your old units have served their time. While air conditioners with energy star rating tend to be slightly expensive, they are worth it in the long run because the money you spend gradually recovers over time thanks to reduced energy bills.
2. Thermostat Settings
One of the best ways to cut down power consumption and costs is to install programmable thermostats to control the level of cooling. It is recommended that you set the temperature to a couple of degrees lower than usual. An ideal setting of 78 degrees will keep your workplace comfortably cool without stressing your cooling system. Avoid drastic changes to thermostat settings as they tend to consume more energy.
3. Change Filters Regularly
Regularly cleaning or changing your air filters is the fastest way to ensure debris and dust don’t build up and interfere with your cooling system. Check the manufacturer’s instructions or contact one of the air conditioning professionals for directions regarding how frequently to change your filters.
4. Address Windows
Replace your windows first if they are very old to make sure that you aren’t leaking air. If replacing windows is not possible, then make sure that your existing windows are properly sealed at the edges. You should also tightly close them when they are not in use. Open as many windows of your commercial building in the evenings as possible so that the cold air can naturally make its way in reducing stress on your air-conditioning system and hence reducing energy costs in the process.
5. Use Ceiling Fans
While you may not like the aesthetic, there is no denying the fact that ceiling fans are quite effective. They circulate cool air in rooms that require it and help to maintain a cooler temperature that can really reduce your monthly energy costs.
As the temperature begins to rise, so do the costs of cooling associated with running your air conditioning system. While it may not be necessary or feasible to replace the entire system, you can reduce the cost of cooling by following the above-mentioned tips.
Southwest Mechanical is a full-service mechanical contractor that provides services in Los Angeles County for all aspects of commercial property services. We offer a wide range of mechanical services for all projects. Headquartered in Southern California, Southwest’s professional staff and trades people deliver a full range of serves for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, boiler hot water, general contracting, electrical, concrete, roofing, waterproofing, waste management, energy management, and consulting. Contact us for service today at (866) 808-0354!
