Heating and cooling makes up a large portion of any business's energy cost. It is not often cost-effective to replace an entire working heating or cooling system, even if that system is operating inefficiently - oftentimes these replacements have payback periods of ten years or more. However, there are many actions businesses can take to ensure that the building's existing systems are working as efficiently as possible. These strategies may also apply for home energy use.
- Plan to upgrade when the existing system breaks down. Gather quotes. Know the issues of your system - will ductwork need to be re-done? Will you need to switch over to a forced air system instead of a radiant hot water system? Have contractors and equipment in mind, and post your replacement plan on a tag on your HVAC equipment. This planning will help anticipate costs and will reduce stress when the system does break down. Contact Energy Smart about utility rebates that are available for more efficient HVAC equipment at (651) 292-4652.
- Clean or replace heating and cooling filters regularly. A cardboard-frame filter should be replaced once a month during heating season. If the system also cools the building, the filter should be cleaned or replaced once a month during cooling season as well. Post a schedule near the front of the equipment so it is clearly visible when the filter needs replacement. This will also help improve indoor air quality and could even improve employee health. For larger facilities, a filter replacement plan may be helpful.
- Clean registers, electric baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed. Make sure that carpets, filing cabinets, and desks do not block registers so that heat can circulate freely throughout the space.
- Bleed hot water radiators twice a season. Contact a professional for assistance.
- Have systems serviced once per year. Some utilities may offer tune-up rebates. Contact Energy Smart for additional information at (651) 292-4652.
Related
Click to read more about these related topics:
Resources
Otter Tail Power - Tips for Saving Energy
U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Savers Tips: Heating and Cooling
U.S. Department of Energy - "Heating and Cooling"
FacilitiesNet - "Filter-Replacement Plans Save Energy, Improve IAQ" (February 2009)
MicrosoftHohm - "Replace the Filter in Your Furnace"
For more energy efficiency tips, check out Quick Tips for Energy Efficiency.