As a business owner or facility manager, part of your job is to keep operating costs at a minimum to maintain profitability and improve your company’s bottom line. One way to keep your costs down is to improve your energy efficiency in the workplace. This means improving building energy efficiency as a whole through the installation of more efficient lighting and HVAC systems as well as computers and equipment.
Here are 6 Tips to Get You Started When it Comes to Building Energy Efficiency
Implement Smart Lighting Solutions
Make the most of the sun. Take advantage of the daylight by allowing it to reach your indoor space. Doing so will lessen the need for light bulbs and improve building energy efficiency. Studies have also shown that natural light makes people happier and improves job productivity.
You should also replace any incandescent light bulbs in the office with LED lights. They consume less energy, and will last 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Use Energy-Efficient Computers
Office computers are often used for eight hours straight, sometimes more. To save on costs and lessen your business’ carbon footprint, use energy-efficient computers. If possible, ask your staff to use laptops instead of desktop PCs, as the former is more energy-efficient than the other.
Upgrade HVAC Equipment to Improve Building Energy Efficiency
The heating and cooling industry has made a lot of advancements in recent years when it comes to building energy efficiency, and new equipment with better energy efficiency ratings keeps coming out of the market
More than half of your energy bills go to your heating and cooling system. Upgrading your system to the latest will ensure that you are getting the most efficient model. This will result in improved building energy efficiency and lowered energy bills.
When making the upgrade to a better system, make sure to buy an ENERGY STAR-approved unit and have a commercial HVAC contractor such as Galmiche & Sons to do the sizing and installation.
Maintain & Service Equipment
To improve overall building energy efficiency, is not enough for you to upgrade your equipment. You also need to maintain your HVAC system by replacing your air filters regularly, and by having an HVAC company conduct regular service maintenance at least once a year.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Using a programmable thermostat will help the facility manager control the temperature settings of the office and schedule the system during off-peak times to save on electricity and improve building energy efficiency.
Keep Doors and Windows Closed
Once the HVAC system is up and running for the day, make sure to keep all office doors and windows tightly shut as much as possible. This way, the cooled or heated air will not be able to escape.
Get Professional Help Improving Building Energy Efficiency
If you want to improve your building’s energy efficiency and lower your energy bills, contact Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis. We can conduct a professional energy audit for your building. We can determine areas where energy usage is excessive and come up with recommendations on how your business can become more sustainable and energy-efficient. Please call our St. Louis heating and air conditioning today at 314-993-1110 to get started!
