When cold weather hits, especially with subfreezing temperatures forecast for this weekend, it’s important to make sure your heating system and your building are ready. It pays off in lower energy bills and increased comfort.
Heating system tune-up
A system checkup ensures all parts are in good working condition and operating properly. The following steps help to ensure efficient operations while avoiding equipment failure. Many of these tips will also help reduce cooling costs, so you can see savings throughout the year:
- Inspect heating ducts for leaks and seal them to reduce heat loss.
- Check all air filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce heating system efficiency.
- Inspect heating ducts for leaks and seal them to reduce heat loss.
- Check all air filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce heating system efficiency.
- Make sure all hot water tanks and pipes are well insulated.
- Calibrate thermostats regularly to ensure they’re functioning properly.
- Check outside air dampers to verify they’re closed when the building is unoccupied.
- Make sure hot water or steam valves are in the proper position to allow full flow.
- Verify proper operation of in-duct humidifiers and humidity sensors.
If you have a limited maintenance staff, consider hiring a qualified HVAC contractor to perform an inspection. A maintenance contract ensures checkups are performed according to a schedule, which can save money over the long term.
Around your facility
Optimizing heating system performance goes beyond the system itself. These actions help reduce heating costs, improve comfort and support grid reliability during extreme cold.
- Tune building controls. Check and adjust building automation system controls to optimize energy savings and comfort for the changing season.
- Seal your building envelope. Inspect doors, windows and other openings for gaps where air can escape. Seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
- Maintain airflow. Ensure registers are not blocked by furniture or equipment to support ensure proper air distribution.
- Check insulation. Confirm insulation levels meet ASHRAE 90.1 energy efficiency standard for commercial buildings.
- Inspect your roof. Make sure the roof and all drains are cleared of any debris, including branches and leaves. Tree limbs may have to be trimmed to avoid roof damage.
- Ensure backup power. Safe and reliable backup power is essential. Make sure backup generators are operating properly and test them regularly throughout the season.
- Determine an appropriate safety policy for personal space heater use should your building allow them
Consider an energy audit
For increased energy savings and comfort year-round, consider scheduling a free conservation audit of your facility. An OUC conservation specialist will conduct a basic walkthrough with visual inspections of your building systems and equipment, then provide customized cost-saving recommendations to help improve your facility’s energy efficiency this winter and throughout the year.