As cold temperatures continue, it’s a great time for maintenance and facility managers to ensure your building is conditioned for optimal performance through the rest of the winter. Almost 30 per cent of commercial energy costs come from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, so it is in your best interest to pay attention to your HVAC system at this time of year.

Looking at air leakage

Start with your building – minimizing air leakage is one way to lessen the burden on your HVAC system. If your building is not airtight, warm air could be escaping as your system is working hard to heat the building. This means that you are wasting money as well as adding to the burden of your system, which will constantly be trying to make up for that heat loss. Checking doors, windows, seals, and duct work for air leakage and addressing those areas can help. As well, installing tools like a smart thermostat can help spare your system and increase efficiency by providing accurate data, predictive insight, and the capability to schedule timed heating only when needed.

Making an investment

Planning for upgrades can also help improve the performance of your HVAC system. Upgrading your windows and installing thermal blinds can help the building stay warm, giving your system a break on warmer, sunny days, and cutting down on your heating costs. You may also want to upgrade to a smart or higher-efficiency system, so investigate government retrofit programs that may help you offset some of the cost. Upgrading your system can help increase efficiency and decrease repair and labour costs from your old HVAC equipment.

Even though the season is upon us, there is still time to optimize your HVAC system, increase efficiency, and lower operational costs as we look ahead to spring. Beyond your regular maintenance, like changing the filters and checking for damaged or underperforming insulation, take the steps to protect and enhance your HVAC systems through the fall and winter.