The winter season can spell higher than average energy bills due to increased heat and energy usage. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple and practical ways to reduce your building’s energy usage without sacrificing functionality or comfort.
Here are five ways you can save money on energy usage in your commercial building during the winter.
1. Regularly Service and Maintain HVAC Systems
This is the number one energy-saving tip for commercial buildings. If you’re not spending time, money, and effort on your HVAC system, you’re missing out on a lot of potential savings.
Your HVAC system is the single most significant energy-consuming element of your commercial building. A building’s heating systems account for at least half of its energy consumption.
To reduce your building’s energy consumption, replace or clean your filtration systems regularly to maintain optimal indoor air quality while avoiding excessive energy consumption from a faulty system.
2. Install Daylighting Technology
Daylighting systems use skylights and windows to bring in natural light and reduce energy use for artificial lighting. They are more efficient than most artificial lighting systems and are often used in commercial buildings. If you can incorporate daylighting technology into your building, you’ll find that it can reduce energy use for artificial lighting by as much as 50%.
To install daylighting technology, you’ll want to begin by choosing the right skylights for your building. You’ll also want to ensure any rooftop equipment is installed properly and is safe for occupants.
3. Utilize Smart Technologies
As the name suggests, smart technologies are designed to adapt, learn and improve over time. Many of these technologies are designed with energy efficiency in mind, making them one of the top energy-saving tips for commercial buildings.
When choosing smart technologies for your building, you’ll want to consider the benefits they provide in addition to their energy efficiency. Sensors can help eliminate unnecessary energy use by turning off equipment when it’s not needed.
They can also notify engineers and building managers if anything is malfunctioning. You can use sensors to manage airflow, track energy usage, control ventilation and even monitor indoor air quality.
4. Implement Sustainable Operations
Investing in renewable energy and energy storage systems, as well as implementing energy-saving measures, can help you reduce your building’s energy consumption.
For example, you can purchase renewable energy credits to offset your building’s energy use or invest in on-site energy storage systems, such as battery banks, to reduce your building’s overall energy demand.
You can also consider implementing energy management systems and other strategies to reduce your building’s energy use.
5. Heat Smart
Roof-mounted solar panels can provide your building with reliable, cost-effective energy during the winter months.
In the summer, you can use rooftop solar panels to generate energy for your cooling and heating systems and provide electricity for various building uses.
To design the most energy-efficient system, determine your needs and consider the weather conditions and climate of your location.
Keeping Your Energy Costs Down
There are plenty of energy-saving tips for commercial buildings that you can implement without compromising comfort or functionality during the winter. If you need assistance, consider Strategic Grounds Management for all your commercial building maintenance needs.
Contact us for more information on energy-saving tips for commercial buildings.
