Hardworking HVACs for Hardworking Businesses

Having an efficiently functioning HVAC system can go a long way in delivering a comfortable environment in businesses and municipal buildings. From providing better air quality by filtering dust and pollution to helping maintain ideal temperatures and humidity control, HVAC systems work hard to provide a myriad of functions.

So, it is no surprise that with time they tire out and their performance suffers. However, the signs that your HVAC system is underperforming may not be immediately noticeable. Even as energy bills creep up (HVAC consumption often makes up 50% of your total energy bill!), people don’t always associate this with an aged or faulty HVAC system. Some red flags include: difficulty maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature, poor air quality with increased levels of humidity, and an increased amount of dust.

At Verde we know all the ins and outs of HVAC systems and how to save you money – from what you can do to make your current equipment more efficient to how to go about upgrading it.

Ways to Reduce Your HVAC Energy Costs:

1.) Smart or Programmable Thermostats 

You can improve the efficiency of your current HVAC equipment by installing a smart or programmable thermostat. Unlike traditional thermostats, smart and programmable ones tailor temperature levels to your needs throughout the day, rather than simply maintaining a single set temperature point.

For example, you can program your heating system to warm up the house for when you get home, versus keeping a slightly cooler temperature when you are at work.   In larger businesses this can translate to having various heating and cooling zones. Overall, this eases the strain on your HVAC system as it doesn’t have to work as hard.   Less strain on the system means fewer maintenance costs over time.

2. Consider Economizing

Installing an HVAC economizer for your existing unit can provide significant energy savings. Economizers reduce the need for your HVAC system to artificially cool air by taking advantage of cold outdoor air. Assuming that the outside air is cooler than inside and the correct humidity, the economizer will switch off the air conditioning system and being to draw in the air from outside.   Should the outside temperatures change and no longer be efficient for cooling purposes, the economizer will close its dampers and switch the air conditioning compressors back on.

Economizers are often required additions to newly installed HVAC units, but they can also be easily retrofitted with minimal mechanical work for older systems.

3. Treat Yourself: Trade up

Replacing your HVAC system may not sound like a cost-saving strategy, but the up-front spend is outweighed by long-term savings. If your system is at least 10 years old, you should get a performance assessment from a professional HVAC contractor to determine just how much your dated system may be costing you.

New HVAC units are much more energy efficient than their ancestors – consuming 30% less energy while providing better performance. Because they consume less fuel, they cost less to operate which translates to tangible savings from the moment they are installed.   Their improved technology includes better air flow, for consistent temperature and humidity throughout your property, sound absorbent materials for quiet operation, and compatibility with the latest technologies from smart thermostats to solar power.

With utility incentives available for HE (High Efficiency) units, replacement can often be less expensive than standard efficiency unit replacements.