Your thermostat may seem like your enemy during the summer and winter months. Drastic temperatures can make it seem as if you’re always fighting between the power bill and the comfort of your tenants. However, at MaintenX, we believe it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few simple rules to control your thermostat, you can reduce your energy bill and still keep your facility comfortable year-round.
It’s common knowledge that the greater the difference between your indoor and outdoor temperature, the greater your energy expenses will be. The best way to reduce your energy bill, therefore, is to minimize that difference. Below are a few ways you can achieve that, without sacrificing comfort in the summer and winter months:
Change the temperature before you leave for the night.
Give your heater or AC a break when you close the facility by setting the temperature closer to the temperature outside. While it may be nice to step into an already cooled or heated facility, it can cost you. Just remember to set it back between 10-15 minutes before employees arrive. This is an especially great money saver if your facility is shut down for a holiday, or if part of the facility is closed for maintenance.
Invest in a smart thermostat.
If you don’t want to manually change the temperature every time you clock out, consider installing a smart thermostat for your facility. This type of thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature based on a set schedule. This way you can raise or lower the temperature during your closed hours or on the weekends, and keep it cool while everyone is at the office.
Experiment with the right temp.
When it comes to your thermostat, every degree counts. It is estimated that each degree of variation from the outdoor temperature can increase HVAC costs by 3 to 5%. While you don’t want to make your tenants or staff uncomfortable, raising or lowering the temperature by two or three degrees can substantially add up in savings over time.
Find others ways to change the temperature.
Your HVAC system isn’t the only thing responsible for climate control at your facility. In the summer you can use fans, blinds, and weatherstripping seals to better circulate, insulate, and block heat from your facility. In the wintertime, you can use sealants to keep heat in, use carpets, and even move employees upstairs (since heat rises) in order to maintain a comfortable work environment.
With these strategies, there is no reason you can’t reduce your energy bill throughout the year. For more energy-saving tips, contact your local MaintenX team or visit our resource center.
