It’s only natural that your commercial property’s bills go up in the winter. With shorter days, the lights stay on for longer. On top of that, you’ve got the heat going all the time. This ensures that everyone in the building is comfortable, your products and equipment remain in good shape, and your pipes don’t freeze.
Sure, there are other parts of the year where your energy bills are lower, so it might feel like it all balances out in the end. However, there are ways to save energy and money in the winter without sacrificing comfort and safety.
5 Tips to Improve Energy Efficiency in the Winter
Let’s talk about ways to make your building more energy efficient this winter.
1. Weatherize Windows & Doors
A lot of heat can get lost around and through a building’s windows and doors.
To start, seal up cracks or gaps with caulking around your windows and doors. You may also want to use weatherstripping to keep the warm air inside from escaping.
With regards to your doors specifically, you may be losing a lot of heat through foot traffic. You can’t stop people from going in and out. However, you can lessen the loss of heat. For instance, if doors have a tendency to get stuck open or don’t close right away, consider weighing them down or adding an auto-close mechanism.
2. Use Smart Thermostats
Traditional thermostats are fine if they’re regularly calibrated. However, they’re not going to allow for the greatest energy efficiency or convenience to you.
With a smart thermostat, you’ll have flexible controls that enable you to optimize the heating and ambient temperature throughout your property. For instance, you can:
- Set room- or zone-specific temperatures.
- Configure the temperature to change over the course of the day.
- Lower the temperature when the property is vacant (or parts of it are).
- Monitor your heat usage and automatically adjust as needed.
- Remotely manage your property’s thermostats.
Traditional thermostats require too much manual control and oversight, which can lead to wasted energy and a whole lot of uncomfortable building occupants. If you’re looking for a better way to manage your heat, a smart thermostat is a wise investment.
3. Get Your HVAC System Serviced
An HVAC system that’s struggling to work requires extra energy. If you’re not already in the habit of doing so, get your HVAC company to inspect your property before you put that heating system to work this winter season.
During their visit, they’ll do things like:
- Replace air filters.
- Inspect ductwork, seal gaps, and make repairs.
- Test and calibrate the thermostat.
- Test electrical connections.
- Inspect the drain and gas lines.
- Check the ignition system.
This will ensure that air can move freely through your facility and that the heating elements are working properly.
By the way, if you have an HVAC maintenance plan, we’ll remind you when it’s time to schedule this kind of check-up before winter rolls around each year.
4. Consider Upgrading Your HVAC Equipment
Older buildings with older equipment tend to struggle to keep up with heating demands with each passing year. Sealing up your windows and doors can help with insulation. However, you might want to have your HVAC partner look over your equipment, too.
You might not need the entire system overhauled. For instance, it could just be a heat exchanger that needs replacing.
Upgrading to energy efficient heating equipment will mean spending more money now but it can save you a good deal of money over time.
5. Implement Other Creative Methods for Conserving Energy
Smaller actions can also help you conserve energy and heat over the winter months. For example:
- Always close doors behind you.
- Leave your blinds or shades open in rooms where sunlight pours in.
- Add thick curtains over windows where the cold seeps in the most.
- In office spaces, place desks near vents so the thermostat doesn’t have to go too high.
- Add a draft guard to the bottom of your doors.
These are just some small things you can do to keep individual spaces within your property warmer. If you have tenants or employees, share these tips with them and get everyone involved in making the space more comfortable and warm.
Keep Warm This Winter
Winter can be an expensive season for commercial property owners. But it doesn’t have to be. By prioritizing energy efficiency, weatherizing your building, and working with an HVAC partner, you can warm your property without breaking the bank.
If your commercial heating equipment could use an inspection, give us a call at 316-688-1901. We’ll be happy to discuss your heating needs and to schedule an appointment.