You've had your air conditioning system cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional. Now you're ready for a summer of lower energy bills, right? Well, some summer energy costs are easier to spot than others. Take a look around your facility. You'll likely spot some "hidden" sources of energy waste that are putting the heat on your operating budget.

Unadjusted thermostat

Maintaining comfortable temperatures on hot summer days is critical to maintaining a productive business environment. Maintaining those same comfort levels after hours, however, is a waste of energy. Raising thermostat temperature settings after hours is one the most cost effective ways to reduce your summer energy bills. Wi-Fi programmable thermostats optimize savings and convenience by automatically adjusting temperatures according to your business schedule.

Blocked airflow

Your cooling system is designed for balance. Vents that are blocked by carpet, furniture or equipment can restrict airflow, making your cooling system work harder and reducing comfort. Make sure all HVAC registers and vents are free of obstructions.

Lost cool

You never want to lose your cool, especially when it comes to summer air conditioning. Cool conditioned air can escape through gaps in windows and exterior doors, wasting energy and money. Inspect windows for cracked or loose caulk and for gaps around doors. Seal these areas with new caulk or weatherstripping. It will help save you money and keep your business environment comfortable.

Unwanted heat gain

Solar heat gain is solar radiation transmitted through windows and released inside your building as heat. This can make your air conditioning system work harder to keep things cool. A simple fix is to close shades or blinds during sunny afternoons to block that heat. Another option, especially for businesses in warmer climates, is to install high-performance windows with a low solar heat gain coefficient.

Overcooked ventilation

Commercial kitchen operations typically have busy times and idle times. Motors running kitchen ventilation fans, however, run at full-speed all the time, often wasting energy. You can try to remember to shut off ventilation fans during idle times. A better recipe for savings and comfort is to install demand-controlled ventilation, which adjusts fan speed according to need.

Consider a facility energy audit. A professional auditor will inspect your facility and offer a set of targeted energy-efficiency recommendations that will help you save money and stay comfortable this summer and all year long.