Additional AC & heating tips

Maintain your heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system

Even a new ENERGY STAR® certified HVAC system, like a new car, can decline in performance without regular tune-ups. Consider a regular maintenance contract, which typically includes "pre-season" tune-ups before each cooling and heating season. Regular professional maintenance can help you save energy and cut costs. Plus, your system may last years longer.

Regularly change (or clean if reusable) HVAC filters during peak cooling or heating seasons

New filters can only cost a few dollars. Dirty filters may cost more to use, overwork the equipment and result in lower indoor air quality.

Control direct sun through windows, depending on the season and local climate

During hot seasons, block direct heat from sunshine on the east side and especially the west side of the facility. Depending on your facility, options such as solar screens, solar films, awnings and vegetation can help keep facilities cooler. Over time, trees can attractively shade the facility and help clean the air. Interior curtains or drapes can help, but it's best to prevent the summer heat from getting past the glass and inside. During cold seasons, with the sun low in the south, unobstructed southern windows can contribute additional heat during the day.

Consider a smart thermostat

Instead of relying on manual adjustments, look into a climate control system that adjusts according to the patterns of your business. New systems will automatically adjust the temperature a few degrees in either direction as they learn your schedule, plus they are usually accessible through a mobile device so that you can program or adjust them from anywhere.

Plug leaks with weather stripping and caulking

Caulking and weather stripping let you manage your ventilation, which is the deliberate, controlled exchange of stuffy inside air for fresher outdoor air. To learn more about indoor air quality in your facility, visit the Environmental Protection Agency's website on indoor air quality.

Moving air can make a somewhat higher temperature and/or humidity feel comfortable

Fans can help delay or reduce the need for air conditioning. And a temperature setting of only three to five degrees higher can feel as comfortable as your normal setting if you use fans. Each degree of higher temperature can save about 3% on cooling costs. When the temperature outside is more comfortable than inside, a box fan in the window or large whole-facility fan in the attic can push air out and pull in comfortable air from outside.

*Sources: ENERGY STAR and U.S. Small Business Administration