Commercial HVAC systems can consume a lot of energy, so making sure that system efficiency is at its best is important. This can help reduce energy bills, as well as improve the comfort level for employees and customers. Whether the dollars saved are going toward operational costs, research and development, or simply helping the bottom line to make shareholders happy, every dollar counts.

It may seem counterintuitive, but if you’re operating an old commercial AC unit with a low SEER rating, it makes sense to upgrade to a newer model with a higher SEER rating. Depending on the size of your business and how much use the air conditioning system gets, upgrading to a newer, more efficient model can cut your energy bill significantly, with payback in as little as three to five years.

While it’s tempting to wait on repairs and upgrades, putting these tasks on the back burner will cost more in the long run. In fact, a poorly performing Efficiency Heating & Cooling Commercial HVAC system can contribute to costly downtime and disruptions in productivity. So, be sure to address any back-burner commercial HVAC improvements as soon as possible.

In addition to replacing older equipment with more efficient units, consider implementing new technology that can further reduce your business’s energy consumption. For example, variable speed technology allows commercial AC systems to adjust the operating speed of the compressor and fan according to cooling needs. This will prevent unnecessary energy usage when full power isn’t required.

Correct sizing is another key component of efficient commercial HVAC operation. It’s vital to have a professional conduct detailed calculations to determine the precise tonnage necessary for your space. Installing too large or too small of a unit can lead to higher maintenance and energy costs.

Additionally, a professional can ensure that the ductwork in your building is properly sized and sealed. Many buildings were built with a different purpose in mind, and it’s important to consult an experienced commercial HVAC contractor to help optimize the layout of your ductwork and ensure that your energy usage is optimized.

Upgrading to an Energy Star certified unit can also help you save on your commercial AC utility bills. The Energy Star program is a government initiative to encourage manufacturers to design products with lower energy consumption, and its ratings are based on a variety of factors.

Aside from installing high efficiency equipment, you can also increase your business’s energy savings by implementing temperature zones. This will give you greater control over the distribution of cooled air, so you can target areas that need it more than others, such as busy offices and conference rooms.

The final tip for optimizing your commercial AC system’s efficiency is to implement a seasonal maintenance plan. An annual cleaning and inspection will not only increase your system’s efficiency, but it can detect problems before they become serious. This can greatly extend the lifespan of your unit, as well as save you on future commercial HVAC repair bills.