While summer months are all about sunshine and the great outdoors, it is still business as usual in most Cincinnati commercial spaces. It is important to keep staff comfortable all year round, even when temperatures rise to 90 degrees and higher at the peak of the season.
In this article, certified HVAC installation companies share eight tips for keeping commercial buildings cool and comfortable during the summer.
1. Change Air Filters
Air filters are responsible for eliminating impurities such as dust, pollen and bacteria from the air flowing through the HVAC system. For air filters to perform well, however, they need to be free of excessive dust build-up. By cleaning or replacing your air filters on a quarterly basis, you can improve the airflow throughout your space, ensure that your cooling system is operating at peak performance and potentially reduce your energy consumption by 15%.
2. Set the Thermostat
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) recommends maintaining temperatures between 68 and 76 degrees in work environments. In order to keep energy bills down while providing a cool and comfortable workspace, keep the thermostat at an average temperature of 76 degrees in the warmer months. To further increase your energy savings, make sure the fans in the office or commercial space have temperature automation. Even though it is tempting to blast cold air, there are plenty of ways to maximize the building’s circulation without having to lower the temperature on the thermostat.
3. Schedule HVAC Maintenance
The importance of maintaining the HVAC system in a commercial facility cannot be overstated. It is perhaps the most important investment that a business owner can make to keep their annual energy costs down. In addition to using HEPA filtration systems and changing them on a regular basis, you should schedule certified technicians to perform tune-ups and safety checks before problems with your commercial HVAC even arise. Failing to make the necessary repairs can lead to unexpected breakdowns and, even worse, untimely system replacements.
A few factors affect how often you should schedule HVAC repair and maintenance, but the standard rule is to perform a maintenance check-up twice a year: once in the spring and once in the fall.
4. Utilize HVLS Fans
HVLS or high-volume, low-speed fans distribute a high volume of air throughout an office area to encourage employee productivity. The low speed of these fans also puts less strain on the moving parts, which results in overall lower maintenance costs. HVLS fans do not reduce indoor temperatures on their own, but they can be extremely beneficial when combined with commercial cooling systems because they distribute the cool air from the air conditioner throughout the office or facility better than the cooling system can on its own.
5. Improve Insulation
Ensuring there is sufficient insulation in a commercial building makes a remarkable difference in the overall performance and cost of cooling the space. Good insulation is able to effectively keep unwanted heat out and sustain a cool, fresh environment inside the building even during the dog days of summer. With little or no insulation, there is nothing to keep conditioned air where it belongs. Plus, the comfort of employees and visitors is compromised, making the time spent in your building unpleasant and uncomfortable.
6. Seal Windows & Doors
When it comes to maintaining consistent temperatures in your office or facility, another easy-to-do task to include on your checklist is sealing the windows and doors and patching up cracks in the walls and ceilings. Air from outside will neutralize the cool air generated by the air conditioner or fans inside the building. By sealing any gaps or cracks, however, you are actively preventing the hot summer air from making its way into your space and bringing down the comfort and productivity levels of the people working inside.
Another tip to minimize the heat gain in your space is to use energy-saving window coverings. In areas that get direct sunlight, keep them closed. To take advantage of light and heat when you want it, switch the ones that are opened and closed throughout the day. To create shade around your office, you may also consider planting tall, dense trees in front of large windows.
7. Install Efficient Lighting
Commercial spaces do not always get enough daylight, hence the need for artificial lighting. Using energy-efficient LED bulbs instead of fluorescent or incandescent bulbs will not only reduce your energy consumption and costs, but also reduce the heat emitted by the lighting fixtures. Because many conventional bulbs for commercial use consume more electricity, causing them to emit more heat, they can negatively affect the overall cost of cooling your space in the summer months.
8. Invest in a Smart Building
If you are currently in the market for a potential space for your business, consider investing in a smart building that utilizes technology to create a safe and comfortable environment for its occupants. For example, an automated lighting and cooling schedule ensures that lights and air conditioners are switched off when they are not needed. You can also program HVLS fans at different speeds, depending on the amount of air circulation you need. With a commercial space equipped with smart devices, keeping occupants cool and comfortable while improving energy efficiency and cutting down on unnecessary energy costs is completely attainable.
Contact Us for All Your Residential & Commercial HVAC Needs!
Cafco Services is one of the premier heating and air conditioner maintenance companies in Cincinnati. Our team of experienced technicians is ready to take care of your indoor comfort needs, whether you need to perform system tune-ups and safety checks or have a piece of equipment specifically designed for your new establishment. Get in touch with us today by calling (513) 242-3400 or completing our convenient contact form!