Whether you use air conditioning at home or at work or both, you’re probably trying to balance staying cool with keeping down energy costs. The good news is that some simple steps can help you maximize the cooling efficiency of your HVAC system which will reduce your energy consumption during the hottest months. You can also get some help in this effort from your local electrical contractor, who can handle everything from air conditioning maintenance and repairs to installing commercial reverse osmosis water system.

HVAC systems and energy costs
Air conditioning and heating costs make up a big chunk of the energy costs of any building, residential or commercial. For commercial buildings, they may make up anywhere from 40% to 60% of the total electrical bill. It’s no wonder that building owners and managers are looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption while keeping the premises cool and comfortable in the hot and humid days of August.
The good news is that there are some simple steps, such as regular maintenance and inspections, adding insulation to the building, and resetting your thermostat, that can lead to noticeable reductions in your energy bills. Professional electrical contractors can help you in this project, along with installing and maintaining other necessary systems like residential or commercial reverse osmosis water systems.

• Maximize the efficiency of your HVAC system
  The best way to ensure that your HVAC system is operating at maximum efficiency is to set up a schedule of regular maintenance and inspection visits by a professional mechanical contractor. Keeping ducts and vents clean can improve air flow as well as indoor air quality. Air filters should be cleaned or replaced regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.
  Inspections should be carried out twice a year. Improving the efficiency of home and commercial air conditioning systems can reduce energy costs by as much as 35%,according to the Department of Energy.

• Add insulation to the building
  Leaks and drafts add to the operating costs of home and commercial air conditioning systems. Adding insulation to attics and basements, and using thermal drapes for windows can help to prevent the loss of cool or heated air. This reduces energy consumption, and also creates a more even and comfortable indoor temperature. Insulation can also be added to walls, and pipes.

• Use programmable controls and thermostats
  Turning down the thermostat in the evenings when there’s no one in the office can help to reduce energy consumption significantly. Many programmable HVAC controls can control the lights as well, and be set for an automatic daily schedule.

• Replace your old air conditioning unit
  Replacing your old air conditioning or HVAC unit with a new energy efficient one is one of the best ways to cut down on your energy consumption. New units use just about half the energy of units produced in 1990. This leads to significant savings on your electrical bill. It’s also much better for the environment.

There are many ways to reduce the energy consumption of your HVAC system, and your local residential or commercial contractors can help you with these. They also offer other services that make buildings more comfortable and healthier places to live and work. These include water purification systems like residential and commercial reverse osmosis water systems.