One of the big
responsibilities of owning a business is keeping your offices and other
workplaces a safe, clean, and comfortable environment. This involves taking
care of all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning issues so that the air
is comfortable, which will make your office environment more welcoming and
productive. However, many business managers recognize the need to balance
comfort and with budgetary restrictions - making upgrades, replacements, and
even some repair costs difficult. By integrating some new equipment, new
habits, and staying on top of repairs, you can minimize your costs through
prevention - and your employees and customers will thank you for the fresh, cool
air.
Energy Efficiency:
Upgrading and Adjusting Equipment to Meet Eco-Standards
Have a professional HVAC
specialist look at the equipment your company is using. Besides cleaning and
repairs, are there replacements that can be performed to save your company
money and energy costs? Energy Star Approval is the industry standard for efficiency,
and many options are available at reasonable prices. Though a full system
upgrade may not be financially possible at this time, a professional might help
you make a plan to slowly replace equipment over a three or five year period.
In the meantime, one of the
biggest tips for cutting costs is considering the placement of air conditioning
vents: wasting energy by shooting cool blasts of air towards the front entrance
can waste hundreds of dollars monthly in costs, and counterbalance your profit
margin. All of the cool air is simply forced outside, and the hot air remains
unconditioned while your bills run up. Make sure that your vents are aiming the
air inside and keeping things cool indoors - let Mother Nature control the
temperature outside in order to prevent pollution and be more environmentally
friendly.
Environmentally Friendly
Habits: Clever Ways to Be Green and Cut Costs
Of course, one of the
easiest ways to cut costs is to use air conditioning and heat less often. Air
conditioning, even on hot days, does not need be left running 24/7 - especially
in rooms that are not being used by workers or storing heat-sensitive equipment
and products. Be strategic about when you let fresh air cool and condition the
atmosphere of the buildings, and when you use the energy to power your air
conditioning. If your business operates around the clock, recognize the high
and low patterns of traffic in and out of your office or store, and allow for
low-traffic times to have slightly lower levels of air conditioning. Since
fewer customers will be coming to your business, and fewer employees will be
rushing to serve them, having an automated temperature change of 3 to 5 degrees
above average during these periods can be a great strategy for lowering costs
over time.
Proper insulation can also
be an incredible, and relatively inexpensive, material that keeps the
environment cooler in your office. During the cooler months, insulation can
also serve to retain heat within the building, and keep cold air at bay.
Schedule a consultation with a professional HVAC specialist in order to have
your insulation inspected, and to see if there may be a more effective material
that can be installed in your walls.
Replacements, Repairs, and
Cleaning: When To Seek Professional Help
Scheduling regular
preventative maintenance checks can not only save you a lot of money, but can
help you learn what replacements, repairs, and cleanings are due for your
equipment to stay in top shape and perform properly. With scheduled
maintenance, you can be sure to fix problems as they arise. For example, dryer
vents should not be cleaned by an amateur: the professionals who offer dryer vent cleaning in Indianapolis can ensure that all
potentially dangerous materials are removed from the vent, preventing potential
fires and other damage within the machine.
This
is a post by Ashley Williamson. Ashley is a freelance writer and a regular
contributor on forthefirsttimer. When she is not working she likes to travel
and do yoga. If you have any question feel free to leave a comment.
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Lifestyle