Commercial buildings nowadays search for effective ways to reduce energy consumption as much as possible. Keep in mind that commercial buildings consume a ton of it daily, primarily when people use appliances, computers, and gadgets. Springtime usually becomes one of the most critical seasons for commercial buildings because they always experience a massive spike in energy consumption.
Fortunately, Best Access Doors can provide you the best energy-saving tips for your commercial building during springtime. We can also offer several advantages of HVAC systems since they are one of the many systems that consume the most energy.
1. Install and Use Programmable Thermostats
If your HVAC system still has an outdated manual thermostat, replace them right away with programmable ones to make your life easier. Many modern commercial buildings have programmable thermostats because of the convenience they offer, such as setting timers to automatically turn off the HVAC or setting a temperature at a specific time. You can determine what temperature your thermostat is on because programmable thermostats usually have a digital display.
2. Install Energy-Saving Lights
During Springtime, some days will have cloudy or dark weather, so you need energy-saving lights if you want to brighten the inside of your building. Installing them will help cut building costs significantly, especially for commercial building owners on a tight budget.
Start by searching for areas that use light bulbs and fixtures the most, and replace them with energy-saving ones. You can find that energy-saving lights can help reduce energy consumption by 75%. Encourage building tenants to turn off all unused lights when leaving a room to save more energy.
3. Consider Window Treatments
Springtime is the best season to get your much-needed natural lighting. However, sunlight can't reach inside the building without installing proper windows. However, clear glass windows can bring in too much light that damages the eyes and skin. Make sure to invest in window treatments because they have better insulation to keep warm air outside.
Some examples of window treatments include:
Window Blinds and Shades
Shades offer adequate protection since it has the highest R-rating when insulating your building against harmful sunlight. Blinds, on the other hand, have vertical slats that also reduce light and heat transfer. The only difference between the two is that blinds can't control heat gain.
Window Quilts
Window quilts offer the same protection as window shades but are more affordable than them. Anyone can roll them up or down quickly, depending on how much sunlight they want to bring into the building.
Window Films
If you don't like anything hanging on your windows, you can install window films that stick directly onto the window panes. However, you can't control the sunlight that goes in.
4. Use Power Strips for Multiple Appliances
Whenever you leave an appliance plugged in even after you turn it off, it still consumes power. Also known as phantom power, the device keeps consuming energy when it's still plugged into the socket. Make it a habit of unplugging everything when no one's using it.
If you have multiple appliances plugged in simultaneously, it's ideal to use a power strip. You can plug multiple devices in one strip and unplug the power strip once everyone finishes using them. Look for power strips with switches to shut off one or two plugged appliances without turning off the others.
5. Inspect Your Ceiling Fans
You may have ceiling fans installed in lounge areas or coffee rooms to promote better air circulation. Keep in mind that some ceiling fans rotate clockwise, causing them to push hot air down instead of cool air. Have your building technicians inspect them to see if they're turning in the right direction.
If your ceiling fans push hot air down, your HVAC systems will have difficulty keeping the area cool. They will have to operate twice as hard, which consumes more energy and increases your energy bills. You can help your ceiling fan push cooler air by opening your building's exhaust fans to suck out warm humidity.
6. Invest in Energy Efficient HVAC Systems
Your HVAC will operate most of the day throughout Springtime to keep indoors cool. Your HVAC systems will consume tons of energy, so you have to replace them with energy-efficient ones. Once you have the new HVAC systems installed, hire technicians to maintain it constantly to keep it running optimally.
Stay prepared when Springtime comes around by following the different energy-saving tips for your commercial building. If you have problems keeping your building insulated, you can install our ceiling and attic access doors and panels to close off openings. Contact Best Access Doors at 1-800-483-0823 today and learn more about our products.
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