Commercial AC Services: How to Reduce Cooling Costs for Large Buildings

Keeping all your guests, customers and employees comfortable, whatever the temperature is outside, is one of the main concerns for maximizing the foot traffic in their business. But sometimes the cost of cooling down a commercial building can be high if you have not made energy efficiency your first priority.

Commercial property owners are highly conscious of minimizing their carbon footprints, but also want to save the cooling costs. Thus, we have compiled a list of the different ways through which you can decrease the cooling costs for large buildings.

Energy-efficient commercial air conditioner installation

One of the most vital steps in cutting down the cooling cost is the commercial AC installation itself. If you have an HVAC system that is over 15 years old, then it is the perfect time to replace it. It has already started degrading or leaking to such a point that the repairing cost will be more than a new commercial HVAC system installation.

If you are investing in buying a new system, always look for a machine with a good energy rating star. It is also vital to find the perfect size of the HVAC system for your commercial center. Units that are too big will leave the space humid. On the other hand, an undersized unit will have to work extra to attain the preferred temperature.

After installation, it is also necessary to get it often checked by a professional at least two times within a year. They will make sure to replace all the air filters, vents are clear, and the ducts are completely sealed.

Insulation

Within a commercial building or the construction industry, well-insulated infrastructure can decrease the energy output up to 10%. Thus, always use ICF (Insulated Concrete Firms) while framing the ductwork. ICF has several elite moisture and air barriers and high thermal capacity. It allows a stable interior temperature that will never fluctuate with different weather patterns on the outside.

You can also include polyiso insulation to prevent cool air from escaping through the roof. These foaming panels are highly sustainable and are mostly used in the roofing industry. Polyiso insulation boards can efficiently handle the airflow control and power consumption.

Orientation of the commercial building

Since sunrays falling on the commercial building have a direct impact on the cost of cooling it, it is necessary to understand the orientation. Consider other infrastructures or trees that provide shade to your building. But in general, the south direction of any building gets more sunlight compared to the north.

Thus, if your primary working or meeting space is on the south side of your commercial center, then the cooling costs will be higher. In the winter, it will be warmer, but during the summer months, it will become unbearably hot and will need additional effort to cool the space down with the HVAC systems.

Also, spaces in the west will get direct sunlight in the evening and, along with the heat produced during the day, will become scorching in the summer. You can use drapes, blinds or awnings to keep it under the shade, along with making it look professional. You can also decide where to install the HVAC system by consulting professional commercial AC contractors.

Close blinds and curtains at the proper time

After commercial air conditioner installation, another way you can decrease the cooling costs is to close the blinds and curtains whenever there is direct sunlight on the building. It will provide more comfort and decrease any unwanted solar gain in the office. Thus, make sure you have high-quality blinds or curtains to prevent the sun from warming your commercial space.

Regulation of the airflow

For commercial spaces, putting your money in customized dampers is one of the best ways of controlling the cooling cost after proper commercial AC installation services. It provides advanced filtration systems by using adjustable blades and controlling the airflow from one damper side to the other.

There are several damper alternatives available in the market; however, according to the top commercial AC contractors bankdraft damper is the best choice for the job. It allows automatic one-directional airflow with no reverse flowing back of air throughout the machine.

Well-sealed doors and windows

Even small gaps in the windows or doors during commercial air conditioner installation might lead to leakage of cool air outside the area. Due to this, the HVAC system has to operate more, which will result in higher cooling costs and poor power efficiency.

Some symptoms indicate that your commercial space is not well-sealed. Drafts through the windows and doors, gaps, or moisture, dust or insects gathering near the doors or windows are some of them. A professional commercial AC installation company can carry out a blower door test to check if the space is correctly sealed or not.

Routine Examinations

Regular AC maintenance services are another way to decrease the cooling cost. The services include cleaning of all the components, treating any cracks or leakages, changing the air filters whenever necessary, maintaining the refrigerant levels and many more. Commercial AC servicing contractors will make sure that the HVAC system is operating smoothly and efficiently.

End Thoughts

Keeping customers and visitors comfortable during hot weather conditions is one of the primary concerns for commercial property owners or managers. However, an HVAC bill might get high for such buildings. So, follow the above measures to reduce the cooling cost and keep it under control.