Top Ways to Save Money on Commercial Air Conditioning

Living in Texas means that you have to get used to the heat. One of the best solutions is to use air conditioning whenever possible. However, while a robust A/C unit can make the climate more comfortable, it can also rack up high energy bills. 

As a business owner, you have to balance your need for air conditioning with upkeep costs. On the one hand, your employees and customers will appreciate a fresh and crisp environment. On the other, you don’t want your bills to spike during the summer. 

Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of top ways to save money on commercial air conditioning this summer. Follow these suggestions, and you’ll be amazed at how low your next statement can be. 

Inspect Your HVAC System Regularly

Although summertime is when air conditioning is most valuable, Texas heat lasts throughout the year. This means that your building’s HVAC system endures a lot of wear and tear, leading to expensive repairs and maintenance. 

Ideally, you should inspect your unit at least twice per year. First, you’ll want to get it checked before summer hits so that you’re prepared for triple-digit days. Second, you should inspect the system between summer and fall so that you can spot any potential issues. By following up after the hottest part of the year, there shouldn’t be any surprises for next season. 

Change Air Filters Whenever Necessary

When was the last time you changed your HVAC filter? If you’re not sure, it’s probably been too long. Commercial air conditioners get far dirtier than you may realize, and the dirt accumulates quickly. According to the experts, you should be changing these filters out once a month, if possible. 

To help save on maintenance costs, be sure to learn where the filters are located and how to change them yourself. This way, you don’t have to call a technician every time, and you can have more control over the replacement schedule. By being consistent with this habit, you can keep your air conditioner running as efficiently as possible. 

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Unless your business is open 24/7, there’s no reason to keep the building cool all night. Even if you have a cleaning crew coming in after hours, they can likely handle warmer temperatures for a couple of hours. 

Thankfully, it’s easy to connect your HVAC to a programmable thermostat. Also, you can control the temperature and timing remotely, which makes it even more convenient. For example, many new models allow you to adjust settings from your smartphone. You can also monitor the temperature when you’re not there to make sure that no one is messing with it. 

When using a programmable thermostat, consider how long it takes to cool the building down in the morning. For example, you may want to have the A/C turn on two hours before you open for business. 

Inspect and Seal HVAC Ducts Properly

Although dirty air filters are a common reason why the air conditioning isn’t working efficiently, an often overlooked issue is a cracked or missing duct seal. Over time, the sealant can harden or wear away, which lets air escape. The more cracks there are, the harder your HVAC has to work. 

In most cases, you’ll need to call a technician to ensure a thorough inspection. It’s a good idea to have this done when checking the HVAC, but you’ll have to ask for it specifically. Usually, the technician will only inspect the machinery, not necessarily the ducts. 

Use Blinds and Shades Whenever Possible

If the sun is shining directly into your building, it’s raising the ambient temperature. While it can be pleasant to get a view of the outside, it’s likely not worth the uncomfortable heat. Thankfully, a quick and easy way to minimize this problem is to install blinds or drapes on sun-facing windows. Then, close them during the hottest part of the day. 

Another option that provides a view and shade is to install an awning. While awnings are only useful for the bottom floor, they can help lower the temperature significantly. Also, they help protect against other elements like wind and rain, making them ideal all year long. 

Set the Temperature a Few Degrees Higher

Considering that Texas summers can routinely get into the triple digits, getting cool is all about relativity. For example, if it’s over 100 degrees outside, staying in an 80-degree office will feel much better. 

According to the experts, the best temperature to set your thermostat is 78 degrees. At first, this may seem way too high, but it’s not as uncomfortable as you might think. Depending on your situation, you may have to set it lower, but don’t assume that you have to be at 70 degrees or below. Over time, both employees and customers will get used to it, particularly if the outside temperature is blazing hot. 

Use Fans to Help With Airflow

Although air conditioning can make interior spaces feel pleasant, it’s not the only option for cooling down. A simple fan setup can have just as much impact, and it uses a lot less energy. 

Even if your HVAC is a high-quality system, fans can make it work more efficiently. As air moves through space, it’s easier to lower the ambient temperature. Overall, increasing the airflow can enhance your cooling efforts no matter what, so putting a few fans around the place can be a good investment. 

Another thing to consider when trying to improve your building’s airflow is to shut off areas that aren’t used regularly. For example, if an office, conference room, or storage area doesn’t get much activity, why waste energy to keep it cool? The less air your HVAC has to condition, the more money you’ll save. 

Contact Preferred Climate Solutions Today

When it comes to portable A/C rentals, we’re your company’s best resource. Whether your HVAC has shut down, you’re hosting an outdoor event, or need A/C in a specific area, we have many solutions to suit your needs. Give us a call can we can assist you in finding the right portable unit for your business.