Acker Heating & Cooling

Commercial buildings consume more energy than residential properties, but you can still reduce their energy costs. Typically, commercial properties have energy efficiency problems that cooling and heating systems experts can address.  

In this post, Acker Heating & Cooling discusses the common causes of inefficient HVAC and high energy bills in commercial buildings.

Why Is Your Energy Bill Skyrocketing?

Age

Your commercial HVAC system can affect your utility costs more than the other necessities. As it ages, you need to replace it so you can benefit from the energy-efficient features that modern systems have.

Size

Your HVAC system must have the right size to achieve optimal indoor temperatures. If your HVAC equipment is too small, it will consume too much energy to cool a room. On the other hand, an oversized HVAC system will frequently turn on and off and cause higher energy bills.

Heat in the Room

Cooling and heating systems must be sized and used properly so they don’t get overwhelmed by the heat generated in each room. For instance, a restaurant usually needs more cooling to maintain a stable temperature because of the dining area’s high heat generation from the lighting, cooking, steaming, and appliances. 

How Can I Reduce My Building’s Energy Costs?

Regular Maintenance

Have scheduled downtimes, and hire a reliable local heating and air conditioning company to inspect your system. They can check and repair HVAC issues to keep your equipment in top shape. Furthermore, they can create an energy audit to learn about your HVAC’s performance and find out if it needs a replacement.

HVAC Sizing

An over or undersized HVAC system will consume too much energy to stabilize indoor temperatures. Hire a local expert to see if your HVAC is correctly sized and make recommendations if otherwise. They can help you dismantle the HVAC and install your new system.

System Fixes

An HVAC system is made of the heating and cooling units and the duct system that goes around the property. Any duct leaks will cause poor air pressure, introduce inefficient cooling and heating, and higher energy bills. Hiring a commercial HVAC expert can help fix duct leaks or install new and well-designed ductwork and ventilation system.

What Causes Poor HVAC Airflow?

Malfunctioning commercial HVAC components will cause insufficient airflow and make your rooms uncomfortable. They are also the primary cause of high energy bills. You can get better airflow from your HVAC system by clearing and repairing the following areas:

Dirty Filters

HVAC filters need cleaning or replacement to avoid clogging. You can hire a local contractor to clean or replace them during routine maintenance. That said, your filters must be compatible with the duct system and HVAC to prevent inefficient air distribution in your commercial property.

Blocked Condenser Unit

Clean condensers regularly to prevent blockages. Remove any trapped leaves, dust, and branches in the outdoor unit. Hire a local contractor to clean this for you during the scheduled maintenance.

Poor Duct Sizing

The right HVAC and ductwork size will affect the airflow and cooling of your property. An undersized duct system will restrict air pressure and decrease airflow. Alternatively, oversized ductwork increases air pressure and creates too much airflow. Hire a contractor to evaluate your system and see if it needs a redesign.

How Can I Improve My Property’s Insulation?

Proper insulation is the best way to save energy and maintain HVAC efficiency. Good insulation can introduce airtight seals and solar shades. It can even extend your HVAC system and property’s lifespan. Here are the common cost-effective approaches to improve your property’s insulation:

ICF

Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) improve your building’s insulating capabilities in many ways. These hollow concrete blocks introduce exceptional air and water resistance. Furthermore, they can insulate sound and are fire-resistant. Consider using ICF walls and blocks if you’re building a new property. 

Solar Shades

Solar shades are awnings, blinds, louvers, sunshades, and overhangs with varying SHGC and U-value ratings that help boost heating or cooling in your building. For example, a solar shade awning can reduce the heat radiated into the building. That said, we recommend consulting reliable solar shade suppliers to find the most suitable one for your local climate.

Dampers

Dampers can block the vents of unused rooms in your commercial space and save energy on air conditioning. These look like plates or valves that can be opened and closed. Ask your contractor if they can install dampers in all your rooms.

In-Ground Construction 

If you’re building a new property, consider using an in-ground construction layout for energy-efficient insulation. It can help regulate temperatures during summer and winter by keeping the air indoors and repelling outdoor temperatures.

Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation is a convenient way to add insulation to your commercial property. It can be quickly applied and cured within a week. Once it’s ready for use, it can cut down your energy bills by up to 20% when combined with other insulating materials.

Do I Need a Permit to Replace My HVAC System?

Once your heating and air conditioning contractor suggests you need an energy-efficient unit that can last for decades as a replacement after their energy audit, it means you also need to secure a permit before you can replace your HVAC system. This is to ensure you’re working with a licensed company that can guarantee a safe and effective replacement procedure.

Here are some important reasons why you should go through this process:

Reliable Procedures

Professional contractors have the knowledge, experience, and equipment essential to safely dismantle old systems and install new ones. Their workers comply with local building codes and won’t cut corners during the procedure.

Building Code Compliance

Reliable HVAC services, such as Acker Heating & Cooling, understand federally mandated building requirements to ensure the entire project and your new HVAC has the proper SEER rating for compliance. That’s why they can get HVAC replacement permits quickly. You can ask your contractor if you want to know more about these requirements.

A Licensed Contractor

A licensed commercial HVAC contractor is a vetted and rated business with experience and expertise in their field. Local industry associations recognize their hard work and efficiency in doing their job. Local governments only issue HVAC replacement permits to licensed contractors. Moreover, quality manufacturers, such as Bryant®, only trust certified and licensed contractors to install their systems.

Acker Heating & Cooling is trusted to troubleshoot and improve HVAC systems. Only hire a local contractor with decades of experience in maintaining, installing, and replacing HVAC systems. Call us at (706) 425-8774 or fill out this contact form to schedule your service appointment.