Office buildings that have not been designed to use energy efficiently can add significant and unnecessary operating costs to a business when compounded over several years. In addition to draining money, drafty windows, hot lights and ineffective heating ventilation and air conditioning systems add up to an uncomfortable environment for employees and others in the building. Save money and keep your workers happy and make your building more efficient by implementing these higher-cost and lower-cost solutions.
Stop Air Leakage
Doors and windows can be some of the worst energy wasting areas of a building. These portals can let heated air escape in the winter and cooled air in the summer. Retrofitting an entrance with automated door energy compliance can significantly help if you experience considerable foot traffic into your building. Also, since windows take up a good deal of exterior-wall real estate, sealing or replacing the worst energy offenders will pay off either quickly or within a few years.
Replace Old Equipment
Computers, printers and copiers can become obsolete quickly. Since you will have to replace these essential office items, make certain to purchase Energy Star rated machines to fill their spaces. These electronics will both use less energy and give off less heat, a bonus in the summer.
Improve Lighting
If your office uses incandescent lighting or even old fluorescent bulbs, you should look for more contemporary solutions. The newest gold standard in energy-efficient lighting is the use of LED bulbs, which may soon be the only choice available. Not only have replacement incandescent lights become harder to find on store shelves, but compact fluorescent lights, which produce unnatural lighting and contain mercury, may soon become rare as well. While you are at it, install motion-sensors that turn off lights in unused rooms.
Improve HVAC Operations
If your climate control system is too new for replacement, you can still lower costs by performing routine maintenance. These are the important tasks to check off that will keep it operating at peak efficiency:
- Change filters
- Have it inspected and tuned up annually
- Install programmable thermostats
These steps will save you money not just by reducing operating costs but also by extending the life of your HVAC equipment.
Investing in an energy-efficient office building will pay significant dividends. Foremost, you will reap the financial rewards of reduced power consumption. Additionally, making this investment will also pay off down the road by making the building more attractive to the next buyer.