Replace your air filter on time.

That’s not always as infrequent as your home; every system and every facility will have different needs so be sure to follow the frequency we recommend for changing out your filters. Often times you can save by buying these in bulk.

Turn off vending machine lights when not in use.

When it’s not needed, you can turn off or, in some cases, even remove lights from vending machines. It depends who owns and operates the vending machines, but it’s often a possibility.

The little things really do add up, so this is one way you can be more environmentally conscious and save.

Replace bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or LED bulbs.

Remember that the price has come down a great deal, too—plus you won’t have to change them for a much longer period of time.

Use the programmable thermostat and teach occupants how to use it, too.

It’s one thing for you to be able to use the thermostat to save hundreds per month of year. But an often-missed part of this picture is that occupants and tenants need to know why this is so important, too.

Continually educate them on the importance of using the thermostat the right way, even if it’s decided not to utilize the programmable settings.

Consider upgrading other appliances in the building.

You don’t necessarily need to upgrade without good reason, but if an appliance breaks or is near the end of its life, it may be an opportunity to replace it with a high-performing, energy-saving appliance that’s still within your budget. It’s something you recognize, but it’s a great reminder when you look to save each month.

Keep up with your preventative HVAC maintenance.

One of the top ways to stay is having your system working as it should, and efficiently as it can be. To do so, you need regular maintenance. Just like with your air filters, depending on the size of your system(s), twice per year may not even be enough proactive maintenance.

Ask us for more information so you know the right regular frequency to be doing maintenance on your heating and cooling system.

Watch how the kitchen is being utilized.

Commercial kitchen a high source of energy use? We’re not surprised.

Work with occupants to see how and when the kitchen is most busy so you can make a plan to optimize how energy is being used throughout the day.

You can work out procedures related to each unit so that you can minimize certain energy expenditures, such as preheat time or shut-down procedures. Many times chefs or operators will be excited about the opportunity to be more conscious about energy usage.

Once you have a plan in place, be sure to watch and monitor how it is working for you. Is all the equipment related to refrigeration something that needs to be on at all times? Is preheating taking as long as it should or is pre-heating time way too long for the equipment you’re using? If you start thinking about the kitchen as you would a plant or manufacturing facility, as two examples, you’ll start to see major opportunities for savings.

Check how the building is sealed.

You want to be sure you have optimal airflow in and out of the building. Many building owners can be surprised to learn just how much money is going out the door due to a lack of air tightness around the windows and doors in your building.

Call the utility company.

If all else fails or you really want to go above and beyond, it may be worth it to call the utility company to see what they can do for you. Whether it’s a cost-saving program or an incentive, this could be a simple way to make sure building occupants are comfortable but you’re still saving on costs (1, 2, 3).

Find Out Where Your Energy Usage is At Today

When it comes to evaluating your energy use you will often be taking in terms of your EUI. That’s one common measure that refers to just how your building uses energy, based on its size and capacity.

Often time this is calculated by taking the total energy consumed in the building, per unit of time (such as one year), and dividing that by the square foot of your space (3).

That gives you an idea of you energy per square foot, per year. You’ll see some form of this used, in many cases, as the basis for an ENERGY STAR score, and in those situations, you’ll likely have a breakdown between your site and source EUI.

Yes, some facilities may end up requiring more energy consumption than others, but the point is, there’s a lot you can do to minimize energy waste (3).

Call GC Home Services Today for Commercial HVAC Repair, Install & Maintenance & More

Call us 24/hours a day at 859-491-4915 or contact us here.

Sources:

Commercial HVAC: How to Cut Energy Costs

Commercial HVAC: Practical Ways Facility Managers Can Cut Energy Costs