In Tampa, Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, we hear plenty of complaints from clients about their annual energy costs. The extended period of summer heat we experience, coupled with the size of larger industrial and commercial sites can make electrical and HVAC efficiency of the utmost concern for facility managers. However, making your building more energy-efficient doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, there are several DIY hacks you can do today to lower your energy usage over time.
Below are our top five hacks for DIY energy savings at commercial facilities:
Air seal your building.
Climate-controlled air is easily lost due to cracks in windows, doors, and crevices in the walls. Cooled air leaks out, and warm air creeps in, making your HVAC system work much harder. By adding a seal to your windows and doors and patching up minor cracks in the drywall, you can stop air leakage and reduce HVAC energy use easily.
Adjust your thermostat to the weather.
Every degree above or below the temperature outside raises your bill about 6-8%. We recommend setting your temperature close to 75F in the summer (or whatever is bearable for your staff) and close to 68F (or whatever is comfortable) in the winter to decrease energy consumption as much as possible.
Turn off electronics.
Electrical components like lighting can take up nearly 15% of your electrical bill every month. It may seem easier to leave your facility running overnight, but the more you are able to turn it off, the more you can save on energy costs. Turn off or unplug electronics and all lights in areas that are not in use.
Replace air filters.
Most of us know to replace our air filters every month, but not everyone follows through with this simple maintenance task. However, this recommendation is not simply made to sell more filters. By changing them once a month, you ensure your HVAC system has a clear passage for air to flow, thus reducing energy requirements.
Install a smart thermostat.
A smart thermostat can automatically heat and cool a room to stay at an ideal temperature through transitional months like March and December. It can also be programmed to change temperatures according to your schedule, such as raising the temperature after closing to save on cooling costs. If you are looking for a thermostat replacement, always choose a smart thermostat option rather than simply replacing your current one.
Energy efficiency is something every building manager should focus on to improve facility costs. To learn more about easy DIY hacks you can use for your building maintenance, visit our Resource Center.
