Improving The Air Conditioning Efficiency At Your Commercial Facility

Commercial facility managers find themselves dealing with various challenges such as a cutthroat competition and high costs of HVAC maintenance. Even with all the latest technologies available within the HVAC industry, ignoring a few good practices can significantly add to your facility's electricity bills and contribute to an unpleasant atmosphere for your customers and employees, therefore, it is important to improve the air conditioning efficiency at your commercial facility. In this article we gathered tips and tricks from HVAC experts at ProServices Supply to help you increase the efficiency.

Signs That Your Air Conditioning System May Not Be Operating Efficiently

Several factors can contribute to your Air Conditioner's inefficiency, but first, let's discuss some common signs that your air conditioner needs an upgrade.

1 - Increased Costs

Any air conditioner's inefficiency predominantly translates into high electricity bills. This is majorly because of the fact that compromised AC units require more energy to sustain a certain temperature. If you find your facility bills rising significantly, then it's a good idea to consult an HVAC professional to inspect and determine the underlying cause of the increased costs.

2 - Frequent Cycling

Everyday use and dust can wear on the Air Conditioner's thermostat, forcing it to cycle on and off too often. This is another indication that it needs to be replaced. Similarly, in some cases, a system frequently cycles because of a malfunctioning compressor.

3 - Irregular Temperatures

If you witness irregular temperatures in your indoor environment, this could be because of restricted airflow caused by closed vents and dampers. Other underlying causes could be leaks because of poorly sealed ducts or windows or the inadequate size of an air conditioner unit. All of these problems force your unit to work harder, resulting in high electricity bills.

4 - Ice On The Compressor

Ice build-up on an AC unit is either a result of a leaking coolant line, dirty filters, or damaged coils. Regardless of what the cause is, an ice build up is a clear sign of an inefficient unit.

5 - Unusual Sounds

Any unusual sound from a unit can be an indicator of a problem.

To help you curb the increasing overheads of your facility, we've summarized various ways to improve the efficiency of your air conditioner.

Ways To Improve Air Conditioning Efficiency

1 - Clean Outdoor Condenser Unit.

Clean outdoor units that are free of debris work most efficiently. However, cleaning the condenser can be tricky, so if you need assistance with that, give our team a call at (877) 776-8228 or schedule an appointment online.

2 - Unblock Indoor Vents.

To maintain steady airflow and avoid huge utility bills, it is essential to clean your unit's vents regularly. The purpose of the cleaning is to get rid of dust and any debris. To do so, remove the cover of each vent and use a vacuum to eliminate visible obstructions. If the vent covers are filthy, you may also be required to use a sponge and soap to remove the contaminants.

Related Article: How To Clean Your Air Conditioning Vents

3 - Keep Curtains & Blinds Closed.

Blocking the heat energy produced by the sun by closing the curtains and blinds can significantly impact your air conditioner's performance. It is easier and efficient for the units to cool down rooms that are comparatively less exposed to the sunlight.

Using the proper thickness duct insulating material can help you ensure cold air is not lost as it travels from the system to the rooms of your home. A certified HVAC technician can help you with this.

5 - Fix Any Leaks in Your Ductwork, Around Your Windows, or Under Your Doors

Another considerable cause for an air conditioner's inefficiency could be leaks in either the air ducts, windows, or doors. To fix any visible leaks, use specialized duct-sealing tape for the ductwork and weatherstripping materials such as V-Seal or Foam Tape for the windows and doors. This will ensure that your unit isn't working any harder than it needs to be.

Be sure to have a professional also check during your next scheduled maintenance visit.

6 - Avoid Using Heat Emitting Appliances In The Space

Avoid using appliances that produce heat, such as lamps, dryers, and ovens around the air conditioning unit's thermostat because they make it harder for it to control the temperature and mislead the thermostat, causing the system to run longer and work harder than it may need to.

7 - Change Filters.

Air conditioner filters play a significant role in keeping the system running smoothly. If they are clogged, the restricted airflow puts more burden on the unit, resulting in high electricity bills. Ideally, air conditioner air filters should be cleaned every two weeks and replaced after every two months.

8 - Schedule Regular Maintenance

To keep your system up and running smoothly, schedule regular preventative maintenance with a professional technician. They will make sure that everything is working correctly and that there are no severe efficiency problems.

Bonus Point?

Deploy ProServices Supply's Smart Facility Solutions that can help you improve revenue by reducing costs, boosting customer retention and saving time through preventive maintenance. The system offers 24/7 real-time monitoring of commercial equipment to track its health and provide improved visibility across different variables, including temperature, airflow, humidity, leaks, and pressure. This data-backed approach towards MRO allows ProServices Supply to provide proactive services, ensuring you never have to deal with unexpected equipment failure or breakdowns.