Heat waves can really put your commercial building’s cooling system to the test, causing energy bills to soar and systems to potentially break down. But don’t sweat it! There are ways to control cooling costs during a heat wave and still ensure your building stays comfortable. Here are 8 proven tactics for property managers and building owners.
Tactic #1: Improve Insulation and Seal Air Leaks
Keep the cool air in and the hot air out.
Proper insulation helps buffer the heat of the sun. Sealing pesky air leaks can make a big difference, too. While bumping up insulation is a tactic best used BEFORE a heat wave, the practice of checking for air leaks and sealing them is effective even DURING a heat wave.
The EPA says that better insulation and sealing can save you up to 10-15% on your cooling costs. Think about adding insulation to walls, roofs, and floor. Have your maintenance staff do a pre-summer and pre-winter check of windows and doors to make sure they are snug and sealed.
Tactic #2: Install Window Films and Shading Devices
As nice as it is to have light shining through windows, it’s best NOT to do that during a heat wave!
Installing window films or shading devices like blinds and awnings can dramatically lower your cooling cost. These films and shades cut down on the solar heat that enters your building, reducing the need for air conditioning.
Window films, in particular, can lower cooling costs by up to 30% by blocking out a lot of that hot sun.
Consider automating window shades. Using sensors and timers, you can automatically raise or lower shades to prevent excess heat (or extreme cold in the winter,) from coming in through the windows.
Tactic #3: Replace old windows with new, more efficient ones
Did you know that energy efficient windows in commercial buildings can reduce cooling costs by ten to forty percent?
For each single-pane window you replace, you reduce your cooling and heating costs by $125 to $340 per year.
Windows are responsible for approximately one-third of heat loss or gain in commercial properties.
Other benefits of energy-efficient windows include reduced CO emissions, longer lifespans for HVAC equipment, and Increased net asset value of the property.
Replacing windows may seem like an expensive proposition for building owners, but the long-term gain is huge.
Tactic #4: Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting to Control Cooling Costs
Lighting can heat up a space more than you’d think. Commercial buildings have massive banks of lights and lots of areas lit from above. Switching to energy-efficient options like LEDs can help reduce cooling costs.
LEDs use up to 75% less energy and give off 90% less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs, making them a smart choice for keeping your building cool and your energy bills low.
Tactic #5: Reflective Roofing Materials
Consider using reflective roofing materials, or “cool roofs.”
Ultra-white roofs coated with special heat-reflecting paints or fibers can cut down the heat your building absorbs, keeping it cooler inside.
The EPA notes that cool roofs can lower roof temperatures by up to 50°F, which translates to a 10-15% reduction in air conditioning use. That’s equivalent to a hefty annual reduction in cooling costs.
Tactic #6: Regular Maintenance
Keeping your HVAC system well-maintained is crucial.
Regular check-ups can improve system efficiency by 15-20%. This means cleaning or replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels, and making sure your ductwork is leak-free.
Elite Heating and Air Conditioning offers Custom Commercial Care plans, tailoring routine maintenance checks to the specific needs of your building. We consider layout, purpose, number of units, and other variables to design the service agreement perfect for you.
Tactic #7: Smart Thermostats and Building Automation Systems
Smart thermostats and advanced building automation systems (BAS) are game changers for commercial property owners. Building Automation Systems can adjust temperatures based on room occupancy, hours of operation, weather forecasts, and many other factors.
Building Automation Systems adjust temperatures and lighting, turning them on when needed and eliminating unnecessary use. This technology can save you up to 10% on cooling costs by making sure you’re only cooling spaces when needed.
Tactic #8: Consider a Retrofit, a Heat Pump, or a New Energy-Efficient System
Consider upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system. These high-efficiency systems can cut your energy use by 20-50% compared to the older models you might be using now. ENERGY STAR-certified systems are designed to save you money in the long run while keeping your building cool and comfortable.
Older systems benefit from retrofitting. You can boost the efficiency of your existing equipment with retrofitting which updates and upgrades your system with new parts. The more efficient your system is, the less it will work and the more you save on cooling costs.
According to the DOE, retrofitting can improve energy efficiency by 35-50%, making it a smart investment for older systems that aren’t ready for a full replacement.
Heat pumps are the coolest thing in the industry right now! Not only are they super-efficient in any temperature, but they have the added incentive of generating tax credits while lowering your cooling cost.
Elite Heating and Air Conditioning can help you with retrofits, heat pumps, and new energy efficient systems!
Don’t sweat it!
Keeping your commercial building cool during a heat wave doesn’t have to be a headache or a huge expense. By adopting these energy-efficient practices and staying on top of maintenance, you can significantly cut down on cooling costs while ensuring a comfortable environment for everyone inside.
Your property, your tenants, and your satisfaction are of the utmost importance to us.
Call Elite Heating and Air Conditioning can help you control cooling costs during a heat wave, and all other times of the year.
No excuses. Just results.