As a business owner, you know that roughly 10% of your costs come from your office rent, energy usage, and additional overhead. While some expenses are fixed, others are still manageable. One of the easiest ways to save money is your HVAC system. Here are some tips to keep your usage down and save on costly repairs.
Change your air filters frequently
If you ask an HVAC professional, they will tell you that on average, you should change your air filters once a month. This could also depend on the age of your system. Newer systems might be able to go 90 days before you change the air filter. This will not only cut down on costs, but it will help your staff. If the dust and allergens have nowhere to go because your filter hasn’t been changed, this could cause damage to your system and even more to repair.
Monitor your thermostat
Before you leave each night, turn your thermostat up in the spring/summer and down in the fall/winter. If there is no staff in the building, then you could potentially turn the air off. However, in the morning, it may take more energy to cool down or warm up the building or space.
If you turn the thermostat up or down when no one is there, it ends up preventing the HVAC system from continuously running, but will prevent the extra energy use that comes from having to start the system back up. If you do not work during the weekends, then turning it off for those two days will be fine. It may be worth it to get a thermostat with an app that you can control from your phone.
Clean your vents and the outside unit
Just like you would dust, vacuum, and clean your vents at home, you will need to clean your vents and the outside unit at your office. The air ducts can sometimes get dust and dirt build-up, so regular cleaning with a vacuum will help keep your system running smooth. Same for the outside unit. Just make sure it’s clear of debris like leaves or tree branches. On an off day, turn the HVAC unit off and vacuum and dust the inside through the access panel.
Get your ductwork inspected and cleaned
Every few years you should have your ductwork inspected. A NATE-Certified Inspector can look for things like dust and debris that can block your system. Over time, these blockages could cause a number of things like mildew, high humidity, or pushing dust and dirt into your air instead of filtering it. This type of maintenance can be done once a year or every other year but will help save energy and costs in the long run.
Have your HVAC regularly maintained
Regular routine maintenance will help keep your system healthy. Find an HVAC company that provides this type of regular service. Not only will this save money in the long run, but you will also have someone available for any out-of-the-blue problems that could occur.
Regular maintenance of your HVAC system will drive your costs down and keep your staff healthy.
