How to Reduce Energy Use in Commercial Buildings
Saving energy is more than just a good idea. It also is essential for a healthy bottom line.
No one intends to spend more money than is necessary on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). However, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) notes that 30 percent of the energy used in commercial buildings typically goes to waste.
Cut energy waste and rein in HVAC costs at your business in Marysville with equipment upgrades, preventative maintenance, and energy efficiencies. Our expert technicians at Lifetime Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric can recommend solutions that will help you reduce energy use in your building while improving comfort and safety for your employees, customers, and other building occupants.
Energy-saving improvements can enhance HVAC system performance and increase the value of your commercial property.
Building Management and Energy Efficiency Audit
Energy efficiency starts with an audit. An energy audit can pinpoint how your business uses and wastes energy. It provides the information needed to determine the appropriate strategies for reducing energy consumption in your building.
A building automation system (BAS) takes the day-to-day responsibility for monitoring energy use and equipment needs off your plate and puts it on ours.
By installing a BAS in your Marysville building, we can monitor HVAC performance and energy efficiency, troubleshoot problems, and adjust system components. We do it all without having to set foot in your building. Ask us about providing HVAC management services.
Replace Your Commercial HVAC Equipment and Upgrade Comfort
Installing new equipment offers an opportunity to select the best in high-efficiency HVAC.
For example, replacing an older, traditional heating and cooling system with a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system will lower operating expenses and offer flexibility. VRFs can simultaneously heat and cool in a building. The outdoor unit can accommodate multiple air handlers, making it a good fit for large commercial properties.
Smaller buildings can benefit from energy-efficient systems with programmable thermostats, variable-speed compressors, and variable-speed blower motors. At Lifetime Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, we can design and construct an efficient, cost-effective comfort system suited to your building’s size and needs.
Is Retrofitting My Commercial HVAC System Possible?
If your current HVAC system still has life left in it but isn’t performing as efficiently as it could, retrofitting may be the ideal solution. Retrofitting involves upgrading older equipment with modern, high-efficiency components—such as variable-speed drives, smart controls, or energy-efficient compressors—rather than replacing the entire system.
This approach can significantly improve performance, reduce energy consumption, and extend the lifespan of your existing equipment. It’s also a more budget-friendly option compared to a full system replacement, making it attractive for businesses looking to cut costs while maintaining comfort and reliability.
One of our professional HVAC technicians can assess your current system and recommend retrofit options that deliver the greatest return on investment and long-term savings.
Economizers to Boost Commercial HVAC Efficiency
Consider installing an economizer to save money on cooling costs. This device samples the outdoor air temperature and humidity level in Washington and compares them to indoor settings. If indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity levels are the same, the economizer opens dampers that permit outside air to enter your building.
Meanwhile, the cooling system shuts down, which saves on energy use. With the economizer periodically taking over air conditioning duties, it helps to prolong the cooling system’s service life.
Other Commercial Energy Saving Tips
Aside from major improvements to your commercial heating and cooling system, there are additional tasks you can complete to improve your commercial facility’s energy usage.
Routine Commercial HVAC Maintenance
Keep your HVAC system in top shape with preventative maintenance. At Lifetime Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, we tailor tune-ups to the specific needs of your commercial system. Maintenance frequency depends on the type of equipment you own, its location on your property, and environmental issues that may affect its operation.
Minimize Heat Exchange
Install shades or blinds on south-facing windows or have them tinted to block direct sunlight from adding heat to your building in the summer. Blinds can also be beneficial in the winter by providing a barrier that reduces heat loss through windows.
Investing in insulation and caulking to seal air leaks is another step to further enhance your commercial building’s resiliency against heat loss.
Support Your Commercial HVAC System
Keep the space around air vents free of furniture, office equipment, décor, and other objects. Blocking a vent reduces airflow and strains your HVAC system and can lead to increase energy usage to work hard against this strain. Additionally, when your building is unoccupied (like overnight), dial the thermostat back.
Talk to the Commercial HVAC Experts Today
Reducing energy use in your commercial building isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about creating a smarter, more sustainable operation. With a few proactive upgrades and consistent maintenance, you can lower utility bills, extend the life of your HVAC equipment, and create a more comfortable environment for employees and customers alike.
Start by scheduling an energy audit, improving your system’s efficiency, and keeping up with regular HVAC tune-ups. Small changes can make a big impact—both on your bottom line and the planet.
For expert help optimizing your building’s energy performance, contact Lifetime Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric today. Our qualified team can provide energy-saving solutions for your commercial building in Marysville. Call us at 425-200-4999 or request service online.