It can feel hard enough to select the correct HVAC components to cool and heat the average home.
But it is a whole other ballgame when it comes to sizing, selecting, installing and maintaining commercial air conditioning and heating equipment!
For starters, different types of HVAC components are better suited to different kinds of spaces.
If your industry has special air quality or energy conservation requirements, the challenge of the selection and maintenance process increases.
In this article, we offer you 5 of our favourite tips to reduce your company’s HVAC overhead costs and annual energy bill.
1. Carbon Monoxide Is No One’s Friend
Incomplete combustion is not a particularly compelling topic of conversation no matter where it takes place.
But what can make for riveting conversation is the topic of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Every year, an estimated 50 people die from exposure to carbon monoxide, the odourless, colourless silent killer (interestingly 11 of those people on average reside in Ontario).
This is not the way you want your company to make international news headlines!
Even the best carbon monoxide detector in the world isn’t as good as scheduling your HVAC system’s annual safety inspection.
Not only can incomplete combustion flood the workplace with CO, but it can also lead to premature major repairs and system outages that cost thousands of dollars in unanticipated replacement costs and worker productivity losses.
2. Comfortable Workers Equal Higher Productivity
Speaking of worker productivity, when your employees show up at work each morning, are you paying them to work or to argue with one another over the thermostat setting?
Despite what many managers may assume, workplace wars about the thermostat setting take a significant toll by reducing workplace productivity.
Some researchers even call this “the psychology of air conditioning.”
Different employers use different strategies to try to keep the office skirmishes manageable.
But whether it is a dummy thermostat, zoned controllers, a workplace policy that allows portable A/C units or space heaters, a relaxed dress code or something else, what it all boils down to is workers focusing on comfort over output.
What can work to bring these battles under control is to schedule preventative maintenance!
This ensures maximum HVAC efficiency combined with analysis of existing ductwork and installation of ductless units in underserved areas. Then your workers can get back to what they were hired to do – their job.
3. Don’t Pay a Lot When You Could’ve Paid a Little
When it comes to air conditioners and furnaces, they typically do not fix themselves. A small clank can become a big clunk in short order and likely will without some timely attention.
One of the best ways to keep your HVAC maintenance costs under control is to sign up for a commercial preventative maintenance plan. These time- and money-saving plans will ensure your air conditioner and furnace are serviced and inspected for safety at least annually.
The main purpose (other than safety) for scheduling preventative maintenance is actually to catch small repairs before they become big repairs. Your bottom line will thank you – after nearly 100 years serving our commercial and residential HVAC customers, you can trust our guidance here.
4. For Maximum Savings, Be Sure Your HVAC System Is Sized Correctly
No employer likes to hear their HVAC is incorrectly sized after they have just purchased and installed a new system. This is why working with a knowledgeable HVAC contractor to correctly size your new commercial HVAC unit is critical!
And if you are working with an older set of components and suspect one or both are about to turn in their pink slips, it can be nice to have a heads-up about what to look for in your new units.
The truth is, simply sizing your HVAC components correctly can instantly reduce your new unit’s wear and tear, boost energy efficiency, trim energy bills, help clean your indoor air and balance humidity levels.
If you are upgrading your components as a part of a bigger project to reduce your carbon footprint and operate in a more energy efficient way, you may be eligible for significant government funding to do so.
Currently, National Resources Canada is providing eligible businesses with reimbursement of up to 50 percent of eligible expenses, not to exceed $40,000.
Best of all, this funding can be combined with other types of financial assistance so long as the total assistance does not exceed 75 percent of eligible expenses.
Here, it is clear that in every way, sizing your new components properly really can pay off!
5. A Well-Maintained HVAC System Can Trim Up to 40 Percent Off of Energy Bills
Want to save up to 40 percent on annual energy costs to heat and cool your workplace?
One recent building efficiency study demonstrated that regular maintenance for commercial A/C and heating systems is key to achieving this goal.
Rather than opting for a reactive (“run to fail”) maintenance strategy, which puts you at risk for major outages and repair charges, preventative maintenance keeps your components operating at peak efficiency with complete combustion and maximizes your energy efficiency savings.
Are Your HVAC Components Overdue for a Checkup?
Here at Shipton’s Heating & Cooling, we have nearly a century of expertise installing, inspecting and servicing all makes and models of commercial HVAC systems.
We are an Ontario-approved contractor that can assist with new HVAC consultation, installation and application for available rebates, credits and incentives.
Our sister company, Clean Air Solutions Hamilton, can take care of your indoor air quality and safety needs and concerns with the latest cutting-edge air quality technology and components.
Get in Touch
To learn more about our money and time-saving preventative maintenance plans and to schedule service for your commercial HVAC system, simply complete this online form.
With all other questions and requests, contact us online or give us a call at 905-549-4616.
