The news has been chock full of stories this year about the surging use of smart technology in homes. January got off to a bang with the announcement of Google’s purchase of Nest Labs, maker of the popular Nest Learning Thermostat. The trend in smart technology and energy efficiency is not limited to the residential market. An article in ACHR News (Energy Efficiency, Advanced Features to Transform Building Automation Market) cites a report from Frost and Sullivan showing building owners across the world are increasing their adoption of Building Automation (BA) systems to help keep energy costs in check.
If you’re looking to trim energy costs, meet new energy regulations, and provide a more comfortable environment for workers and other building occupants, here are a few things to consider:
Energy Management Services
HVAC systems (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) collectively account for about 40% of the electricity used in commercial buildings, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Each percentage point trimmed can add up to significant savings over time. Our team at American Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning offers energy management services to ensure the most savings on your company’s energy bills.
We can assess your current situation and offer a way to monitor your heating and cooling system through our technology, providing specific data to help increase the energy efficiency of your building while conserving energy. This real-time monitoring can help you save on both energy bills and maintenance costs, and you might even qualify for a tax credit for reducing energy usage.
New Thermostat Technology
Older thermostats simply cannot provide the level of control necessary to meet current energy conservation goals. Our Elk Grove Village heating and cooling specialists offer thermostats that are fully programmable. These advanced thermostats will adjust temperature settings according to the way they are programmed. And our Talking Thermostat allows you to easily understand directions without the use of a manual and will remind you when it’s time for maintenance.
Thermostat location is critical, as it can affect energy efficiency. Thermostats are best placed in open hallways that connect the area that needs to be regulated. However, do not place a thermostat near the actual heating and cooling elements. This can cause constant starts and stops which can shorten the life of your system. A professional HVAC technician can help you decide the perfect place for your thermostat.
Zoning Systems
Have you noticed that certain spots in your office are colder or warmer than others? Oftentimes this is due to a lack of control options for your heating and cooling system. A zoning system can be the solution, and it does more than bring total customization to your HVAC system; it also cuts operational costs.
When installing a zoning system, generally, thermostats are put in designated locations around the building to create areas or “zones” that you can control separately. From there, ductwork is modified so that zone dampers can be wired to each zone. Furnaces and air conditioners will then operate in correspondence with requests from each thermostat. Paired with programmable thermostats, zoning systems can make your business efficient, more comfortable and save you money on energy bills.
For more information on improving energy efficiency in commercial buildings, contact our team at American Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning, providing Elk Grove Village IL and surrounding Chicago communities with the very best commercial HVAC services. Call (847) 512-8402 or contact us online.
