Are you the owner or the manager of a commercial building in Georgia, USA? Are you tired of the high energy bills of your commercial building? Wondering how to make your space more energy-efficient and reduce your electricity bills? Well, we’ve all the answers you’re looking for!
According to a study, commercial buildings in the United States alone waste over 30% of the energy they consume due to inefficiencies. This results in billions of dollars spent unnecessarily on the bills and a big impact on the environment.
If your commercial building falls in that 30%, then fear not! In this article, we’ll discuss some effective strategies that can be employed to lower your commercial building’s electricity bills. So, let’s begin:
Consider Regular HVAC Maintenance
The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is one of the major culprits that juice up the energy in your commercial building. On average, the air conditioning system can use approximately 3,000 watts of electricity per hour. If you run it all day, then it will take 72,000 watts of electricity per day.
However, when your HVAC system isn’t working smoothly, it ends up running more than it should, which will result in increasing your electricity bill. For that reason, scheduling regular HVAC maintenance for your commercial building is crucial.
For example, clogged filters, debris, dirty ducts and coils, and dust can make your system work harder and may take longer to offer the desired temperatures. It is wise to call an HVAC technician who will conduct a thorough inspection of the system and fix the issues, if any.
Go For Lighting Upgrades
According to research, more than 17% of all energy consumed is from lighting in commercial buildings. This is where LED lighting comes into play.
One of the standout advantages of LED lighting is its remarkable energy efficiency, as it uses less energy as compared to traditional lights. This exceptional energy-saving quality makes LED lighting an ideal choice for commercial buildings. Moreover, LEDs have a longer life span, which reduces the frequent need for replacement and maintenance.
So, make sure to replace all your traditional lights in your building with LEDs to save a significant amount of money on your energy bills. When these LEDs are combined with advanced controls, such as dimmers, timers, and motion sensors, they become more energy efficient.
Apply Thermacote Coating
Thermacote coating stands out as an ingenious energy-saving solution for commercial buildings. Unlike conventional coatings, Thermacote is a high-performance, energy-efficient application for a building’s exterior surfaces. It incorporates specialized ceramic microspheres that deliver outstanding thermal insulation capabilities.
When administered to roofs, walls, or other areas, Thermacote forms a thermal barrier that deflects solar heat during hot weather while retaining warmth during colder seasons. As a result, this advanced coating significantly reduces the need for excessive air conditioning and heating, leading to substantial energy savings on your bills.
Moreover, the benefits don’t stop there. Thermacote also offers added protection against harsh weather conditions, potentially extending a building’s lifespan and reducing long-term maintenance expenses.
Teach Employees to Turn Off Electronics When Not in Use
Aside from depending on advanced technology to reduce your electricity expenses, it’s equally crucial to enlist the help of your employees in this endeavor.
Encourage them to remain conscious of turning off various electrical devices like lights, fans, air conditioners, heaters, and computers when not in use. By nurturing a workplace environment that champions energy awareness, significant reductions in energy consumption can be achieved within your commercial establishment.
One effective approach is to conduct training sessions for your staff and position reminders strategically in communal areas throughout the workspace. These reminders act as gentle nudges, reinforcing the significance of powering down electronics when they’re not actively required.
Ensure Your Building is Properly Insulated
One of the most overlooked but critically important points, proper insulation is a fundamental aspect of energy efficiency in commercial buildings. Insufficient insulation can have detrimental consequences, especially when it comes to maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.
During the colder months, it often leads to a substantial loss of heat, making it necessary to rely more heavily on HVAC systems. This increased reliance inevitably results in higher energy consumption and, subsequently, increased operational costs.
To combat this issue effectively, building owners should seriously consider investing in top-notch insulation materials for key areas such as walls, roofs, and windows. Quality insulation can make a remarkable difference in reducing heat transfer.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to institute a regimen of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that the insulation remains intact and efficient over time. By doing so, you can secure long-term energy savings and maintain a consistent, comfortable indoor atmosphere for your commercial building.
Summing Up
Commercial buildings have a wealth of innovative solutions to enhance energy efficiency. The five solutions mentioned above are just a starting point for businesses aiming to lower energy consumption and their environmental impact.
It’s worth emphasizing that a comprehensive approach that integrates various strategies often yields the most significant benefits.