With large-scale heating and cooling systems, commercial buildings across the world lose billions of dollars annually in energy waste. It’s an ongoing issue that not only drives up operational costs, it also increases global carbon emissions. Buildings use a lot of energy, and it’s essential for building owners and managers to ensure that energy is being used efficiently. 

To solution to this problem is multifaceted but can be addressed by commercial building owners in a few ways.  

Ensure HVAC Systems Are Properly Sized 

Confirming HVAC systems are correctly sized is critical to preventing energy waste. Proper sizing includes determining the appropriate number of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems required based on a building's layout, size, climate, and expected occupancy. Some studies say that up to 25% of rooftop HVAC systems are oversized, meaning that they use far more energy than they need to properly heat or cool a space. 

HVAC system compressors with larger motors often draw significantly more electrical energy than they need. This lower efficiency rating is due to the compressor's inability to deliver peak performance when delivering hot or cold air, which the occupants most demand in the building. On the other hand, HVAC systems that are too small for a building must work much harder to achieve the temperatures set by building thermostats. 

Schedule Routine Maintenance 

Planning routine maintenance on commercial HVAC systems is one of the easiest ways to prevent energy waste. In addition to energy conservation, regular commercial HVAC maintenance can also help ensure safe workplace conditions, make spaces more comfortable, and reduce utility bills. 

Regular commercial HVAC maintenance is also critical for keeping equipment in optimal operating condition, not only ensuring your equipment runs efficiently but also extending its life, reducing your costs further. Routine HVAC maintenance can include: 

• Replacing filters 
• Cleaning out ducts and air vents 
• Identifying and correcting faulty components and parts 
• Lubricating parts 
• Testing and making necessary adjustments 

Ensure Ducts are Properly Sealed and Insulated 

Forced air ducts that are not properly sealed or connected quickly lose air, causing HVAC systems to work harder. Minimizing and eliminating these leaks reduces the amount of energy lost and can increase efficiency exponentially. One of the most common mistakes commercial businesses also make is not correctly insulating their ductwork, which also contributes to heat and cooled air loss.  

It’s vital to maintain your HVAC system by regularly checking the thermal protection on your air ducts and repairing leaks by sealing up openings with spray foam or gasketing materials. 

Replace Old HVAC Systems and Technology 

Replacing old HVAC systems and technology with new and efficient models is one of the best ways to save energy, but problems can arise when the switchovers are not adequately planned. In some cases, the old systems may not be decommissioned in a timely way, which can result in significant waste and create a drain on energy resources. Replacing old HVAC systems and technology with new ones should be comprehensive and well-planned, and building commissioning services ensure that the new systems are selected, sized, and installed properly.  

Ready to stop wasting energy with your building? Contact Melink to maximize your energy today!