As average summer temperatures in the UK continue to rise, achieving a comfortable temperature in our homes and workspaces becomes more of a challenge. Our HVAC systems will need to work harder to deliver the results we need.
Not only do sultry summers bring a surge in energy costs, but they can also increase the risk of your HVAC system developing problems. Full breakdowns often happen during the summer months when HVAC systems are being asked to work harder for longer periods.
What can you do to reduce the strain on your HVAC system during the summer months?
Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats give business owners greater control over their HVAC systems. Smart thermostats can adjust the temperature schedule based on the operating hours of your business. Smart controls can also optimise your heating and cooling requirements using Wi-Fi thermostats, occupancy sensors and timing automation. These can ensure that your HVAC system is only being used when it’s required, rather than powering on when your building or a particular part of it is empty.
Smart technology will help your HVAC system become more efficient, saving money, reducing the risk of breakdowns and extending its service life.
Staff Education
One common reason why commercial HVAC systems often operate inefficiently is that members of staff frequently tamper with the controls. This can lead to staff members changing the system to work inefficiently leading to increased energy consumption and extra strain on your system.
Multiple staff members might be adjusting the controls meaning that the HVAC is constantly changing how it operates. While they may wish to adjust the HVAC settings for their own comfort, it can become problematic. Educating your staff about how to use the HVAC control settings, and who can and who can’t operate it will help you use your system more efficiently.
Staff education isn’t just about how the HVAC system is used. They can also be encouraged to close blinds to keep out direct sunlight and shut outside doors while the HVAC system is working.
Regular Maintenance
It’s hard to overestimate the central importance of regular maintenance when it comes to ensuring that your HVAC system works as efficiently as possible. As we explored in our recent blog about cost savings on your building maintenance and operation costs, it pays to keep your HVAC system regularly serviced.
A poorly maintained HVAC system can lead to spiraling running and maintenance costs that soon stack up. If it breaks down it can mean that your building has to be closed until it’s repaired, resulting in lost revenue and working days.
When those repairs are significant, the repair costs can be costly. In some cases, repairs cannot always be fixed quickly.
As well as the risk of downtime, poorly maintained HVAC systems will have increased operational costs making them less effective and reducing comfort levels.
Replacing old and ageing units
Ageing HVAC units will work less efficiently over time. They will also be more prone to breakdowns. Older HVAC systems might also have been designed when the building layout or usage was different.
This can result in the system becoming increasingly inefficient over time. Adjusting the controls to try and compensate will place increasing strain on the system, stacking up the running costs and increasing the risk of breakdowns.
Retro-Commissioning Services from ECS Yorkshire
ECS Yorkshire is one of the UK’s leading providers of retro-commissioning services. Our experienced engineers will ensure that your existing installations are operating as effectively and efficiently as possible while meeting any changes to the design intent.
Contact us to find out more about how our retro-commissioning services can reduce your building’s maintenance and operational costs.