Are you a business wanting to reduce your carbon footprint? The goal makes a lot of sense, considering that becoming more sustainable equals reduced business costs and an improved brand image – not to mention the benefits it has on the earth as a whole. Reducing your carbon impact through carbon reductions might not always feel so straightforward, though, especially when you have multiple areas of the business using different types of energy.
One area you should look into is your HVAC systems, as these play a significant role in many companies’ carbon footprint and, in turn, their sustainability goals. Read on to learn more.
How Much Energy Do HVAC Systems Use?
To put it simply, a lot. HVAC systems use a lot of energy; in fact, these systems are responsible for up to 20% of the world’s electricity consumption. That’s a scary thought, but it makes sense when you consider that HVAC systems heat and cool an indoor area, manage humidity, increase ventilation, and generally improve the air quality – all things that are essential for businesses running offices and other indoor spaces.
The amount of energy each business’s HVAC system uses depends on the business, as it’s different for everyone. A company with over 500 employees and multiple offices will naturally have HVAC systems that use more energy compared to a small business with a single office.
Can an HVAC System be More Energy Efficient?
Absolutely, yes. By paying more attention to your HVAC system and understanding the different ways to reduce its energy consumption, you could save your business a lot of energy. Here’s how.
Getting the Right Size
First, it’s all about getting the correct size for your indoor space. Your goal is for the HVAC system to effectively heat and cool the area without it being so large that it uses more energy than necessary. Accurate carbon reporting can help identify whether your HVAC system is working too hard without needing to.
Better Controls
HVAC systems you can seamlessly control can be much more efficient. For example, you could use an HVAC system with zoning abilities, which means you can heat and cool rooms only as needed (rather than heating or cooling the entire building when it’s not necessary). Smart controls can also be helpful; for example, you could install sensors that allow your HVAC systems to switch on only when someone is in the room.
Maintaining the System
HVAC system maintenance is crucial. Cleaning the ducts, coils, and filters will ensure your HVAC system runs to absolute efficiency. Not only that, but it will also mean the system lasts longer, so you won’t have to replace it as soon.
Replacing When Necessary
Finally, replace an HVAC system when necessary to ensure energy efficiency. While there is a lot you can do with your current HVAC system to reduce its electricity consumption, there’s not much you can change if your system is too old and worn out. Some signs your system requires replacing include loud noises, an age of over 10 years, strange odours, and very high energy bills.
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