How to reduce your emissions and save on your HVAC

Heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) can contribute up to 50% of your energy bill. In commercial properties such as supermarkets, office buildings and schools, or even in the hospitality or retail sectors it is often the most substantial factor.

You can find HVAC systems anywhere from single-family homes to commercial properties, tasked with three interrelated functions. These are heating, cooling and ventilating. They are responsible for providing thermal comfort and higher indoor air quality.

An effective HVAC promotes healthy airflow reducing the build-up of smoke, odours, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, carbon dioxide, and other gases while maintaining the desired temperature.

Becoming increasingly popular in new construction HVAC systems are among the greatest energy absorber commercial properties engage.

The choice of system and design can heavily affect water consumption with some HVAC systems responsible for up to 30% of water use in commercial buildings. Choosing the right system is vital for not only your energy usage but likewise water usage.

There are several technologies for heating and cooling systems on the market, including reverse cycle air conditioners, electric space heaters and ducted gas heating. The energy efficiency and emissions of these technologies can vary substantially.

It is always recommended to discuss the most suitable choice for your environment with a licenced professional. As these units can heavily impact a facility’s energy and water usage and costs, assessing your current use with a licensed professional and implementing the following improvements into a system’s efficiency can reduce the cost of your energy bill.

There’s more to shutting down your office than just reviewing your security plan and locking up your doors and valuables. Here are our top three tips for office safety over the break.

Maintain your system

•  Regularly servicing your system will not only reduce the cost of your energy bills but also make your system last longer. Deep cleaning removes dust, odours and airborne bacteria from the filter, resulting in more effective temperature control while circulating cleaner air.

Timers 

• Timers will take the stress out of monitoring your system, controlling the thermostat and switching it on and off for you. This prevents you from using energy to heat or cool a space that you aren’t using. Most importantly timers remove any chance of the system being left on overnight or over the weekend when no one is on site. The most energy-efficient way to use your heating and cooling system is by adjusting your thermostat for the season.
• Set the thermostat to 24°C in summer and 20°C in winter, for optimum energy usage.

New technology

• Significant energy savings can be made through investing in entirely new, high-efficiency HVAC systems. If your system is more than 10 years old, it’s due for an upgrade. New HVAC units can be anywhere between 20 – 40% more efficient than older models.
• Computerised control through a panel will continue to enhance HVAC system efficiency AND reliability. In addition to timers and temperature control and operation control panels allow post-failure assessment, and can provide predictive diagnostics and maintenance advice.

Site Modifications

• Insulating and draught-proofing your building can lower your heating and cooling bills by up to 40%. Window glazing and external window shades act as an additional layer installation, ensuring your building remains at the set temperature. This means your HVAC system isn’t working overtime to meet a set temperature and can keep energy costs low.
• Painting roofs white can reduce air-conditioning loads substantially, especially on large, flat metal buildings such as warehouses.
• Controlling internal heat generation from lighting and equipment, while minimising any air leakage (through automatic doors), can also reduce cooling and heating loads.

Most importantly, what makes us different?

Whether a commercial premise is large or small, all have their unique requirements for HVAC commercial installation and servicing. This is why we always recommend only working with a licenced A grade electrician to carry these installations and services for you.

Our experts at Teoma are highly qualified to have over 20 years of experience servicing Melbourne and the surrounding areas. Each team member has both a Police background and Working with Children Checks.

We will ensure your HVAC systems are installed correctly and is perfectly fitted to your building, preventing both power wastage and lack of effectiveness. With fully stocked vans ready, we don’t take risks – Let us look after your electrical needs.