How To Efficiently Run Air Conditioning In The Workplace
Whether you’re looking to reduce costs in your workplace, lessen your environmental footprint, or make your space as comfortable as it can be, how you run the air conditioning can make a big difference.
Power bills are often a huge cost for any workplace, and air conditioning can appear to be a big contributor, especially in commercial spaces – but the good news is, there are ways to combat the high price, without compromising on comfort. Here’s how to efficiently run office air conditioning.
Regular services and maintenance
It’s vital that an air conditioning unit is working to its full capacity. This will ensure that the workplace remains at a comfortable temperature, encouraging productivity. In addition, if an air conditioner is in need of a service, repairs or maintenance, it can rack up high costs without offering the effective function you’re using it for. Make sure you book in for regular services, to ensure your AC is running in top condition, saving you money in the long run.
Commercial air conditioning repairs, when needed, are essential to the longevity of your air conditioning system, and to efficient air-con use.
Reduce unnecessary use
It can be easy to forget that the AC is running, and therefore it’s easy to forget to turn it off at the end of the day, leading to precious dollars being added to your energy bill overnight. Consider programming timers on your commercial air conditioning, so that you can choose when it switches off – meaning it will no longer accidentally remain on all night.
You might find that the air conditioner stays on because of habit rather than necessity. Identify times that the office doesn’t benefit from the AC being on, and switch it off. For example, in between seasons, you may not need the AC on first thing in the morning, or in the afternoon. Make the call, and turn it off if it’s unnecessary.
Adjust use throughout the seasons
As the seasons change, so too should your air conditioning settings. Make sure you adjust as the temperature outside does. If your workplace uses air conditioning year-round, pay attention to what temperature is needed on a daily basis. You shouldn’t still have the air con set to summer temperatures in May, with all the people in the office huddled under jumpers at their desks.
When the outside temperatures soar during the summer months it can be so tempting to crank up the air con (lowering the thermostat) for a nice icy office. But if you maintain a constant, middle temperature, you will find you’re more comfortable overall, and it will further reduce your bill. Rather than freezing half the office and having to switch the AC off regularly when it gets too cool, it’s a good idea to consider programming the unit to switch on a few minutes before everyone arrives in the morning, and run it at a constant, comfortable temperature (for example, from 21-23°C) all day, or as long as necessary. This is much more efficient than running the air con at 17°C, and making half the office freeze by mid-morning. The same applies for air con use during winter, too.
If your workplace has reduced staff at any stage throughout the year, for example during periods of working from home, you can likely adjust your air conditioning to suit. If many bodies are packing the workplace, the space may feel warmer, and therefore the air conditioning is necessary. But if there are only a few people at their desks, the air conditioning may not be needed.
Benefits of efficient AC use
As we’ve seen, by using the office air conditioning efficiently and thoughtfully, it can reduce the high costs of the workplace energy bill – meaning fewer overheads, and more money in the business. We can’t think of a single workplace that wouldn’t benefit from decreasing their outgoing costs, and efficient air conditioning use is a great place to start.
Another great incentive to ensure the AC use in your office is efficient is the reduction of your environmental footprint. Minimising unnecessary energy use, setting the thermostat to a comfortable temperature for the season and scheduling regular services will all contribute to a smaller environmental footprint for your office – a huge win for the workplace, and the planet.
Other tips
Close off doors to empty areas of the office, and use the zoning function of your air conditioning unit if it has one. This will ensure the air con is focused on the rooms it’s actually needed, and not being wasted on cooling or heating unused areas of the workplace.
Pay attention to the energy star rating of your air conditioning system. If it’s time for an upgrade or a new unit, energy consumption ratings should help guide your decision in choosing your next air conditioning system. Upgrading to a newer, more efficient air conditioning unit can save you big money in the long run, and ensure you’re getting the most out of your air con.
The office doesn’t have to compromise on comfort in order to save some money and have more efficient air conditioning use. A productive office space is one that is not too hot and not too cold, so set temperatures to a pleasant middle ground, which will likely suit everyone in the workplace. The units should be regularly serviced to ensure they are running in top condition.
Give us a call today
Perth Air & Power Solutions can help you with all your air conditioning needs, including servicing, maintenance or installing a new unit. If you need help with your commercial air conditioning in Perth, reach out to our air conditioning experts today, and start saving money on your electricity bills.
Regular services and maintenance
It’s vital that an air conditioning unit is working to its full capacity. This will ensure that the workplace remains at a comfortable temperature, encouraging productivity. In addition, if an air conditioner is in need of a service, repairs or maintenance, it can rack up high costs without offering the effective function you’re using it for. Make sure you book in for regular services, to ensure your AC is running in top condition, saving you money in the long run.
Commercial air conditioning repairs, when needed, are essential to the longevity of your air conditioning system, and to efficient air-con use.
Reduce unnecessary use
It can be easy to forget that the AC is running, and therefore it’s easy to forget to turn it off at the end of the day, leading to precious dollars being added to your energy bill overnight. Consider programming timers on your commercial air conditioning, so that you can choose when it switches off – meaning it will no longer accidentally remain on all night.
You might find that the air conditioner stays on because of habit rather than necessity. Identify times that the office doesn’t benefit from the AC being on, and switch it off. For example, in between seasons, you may not need the AC on first thing in the morning, or in the afternoon. Make the call, and turn it off if it’s unnecessary.
Adjust use throughout the seasons
As the seasons change, so too should your air conditioning settings. Make sure you adjust as the temperature outside does. If your workplace uses air conditioning year-round, pay attention to what temperature is needed on a daily basis. You shouldn’t still have the air con set to summer temperatures in May, with all the people in the office huddled under jumpers at their desks.
When the outside temperatures soar during the summer months it can be so tempting to crank up the air con (lowering the thermostat) for a nice icy office. But if you maintain a constant, middle temperature, you will find you’re more comfortable overall, and it will further reduce your bill. Rather than freezing half the office and having to switch the AC off regularly when it gets too cool, it’s a good idea to consider programming the unit to switch on a few minutes before everyone arrives in the morning, and run it at a constant, comfortable temperature (for example, from 21-23°C) all day, or as long as necessary. This is much more efficient than running the air con at 17°C, and making half the office freeze by mid-morning. The same applies for air con use during winter, too.
If your workplace has reduced staff at any stage throughout the year, for example during periods of working from home, you can likely adjust your air conditioning to suit. If many bodies are packing the workplace, the space may feel warmer, and therefore the air conditioning is necessary. But if there are only a few people at their desks, the air conditioning may not be needed.
Benefits of efficient AC use
As we’ve seen, by using the office air conditioning efficiently and thoughtfully, it can reduce the high costs of the workplace energy bill – meaning fewer overheads, and more money in the business. We can’t think of a single workplace that wouldn’t benefit from decreasing their outgoing costs, and efficient air conditioning use is a great place to start.
Another great incentive to ensure the AC use in your office is efficient is the reduction of your environmental footprint. Minimising unnecessary energy use, setting the thermostat to a comfortable temperature for the season and scheduling regular services will all contribute to a smaller environmental footprint for your office – a huge win for the workplace, and the planet.
Other tips
Close off doors to empty areas of the office, and use the zoning function of your air conditioning unit if it has one. This will ensure the air con is focused on the rooms it’s actually needed, and not being wasted on cooling or heating unused areas of the workplace.
Pay attention to the energy star rating of your air conditioning system. If it’s time for an upgrade or a new unit, energy consumption ratings should help guide your decision in choosing your next air conditioning system. Upgrading to a newer, more efficient air conditioning unit can save you big money in the long run, and ensure you’re getting the most out of your air con.
The office doesn’t have to compromise on comfort in order to save some money and have more efficient air conditioning use. A productive office space is one that is not too hot and not too cold, so set temperatures to a pleasant middle ground, which will likely suit everyone in the workplace. The units should be regularly serviced to ensure they are running in top condition.
Give us a call today
Perth Air & Power Solutions can help you with all your air conditioning needs, including servicing, maintenance or installing a new unit. If you need help with your commercial air conditioning in Perth, reach out to our air conditioning experts today, and start saving money on your electricity bills.
MORE ARTICLES
FOR YOUR BRAIN
Decoding Comfort: How Does Split System Air Conditioning Work?
Posted on Monday, March 25th, 2024This blog will answer the questions of ‘how does split system air conditioning work?’, how it can benefit your workplace and what you need to know when it comes to selecting the right system for you....
Read more
Unlocking Efficiency: How Much Energy Does a Commercial Refrigerator Use?
Posted on Tuesday, January 30th, 2024If you run a business that requires cold storage, you might be asking about how much energy a commercial refrigerator uses to prepare for the cost of running it. Understanding energy usage is crucial for effectively managing this and minimising your business’s bills....
Read more
Can A Commercial Freezer Be Used As a Refrigerator?
Posted on Tuesday, January 02nd, 2024Commercial freezers are specifically designed to maintain much lower temperatures than domestic refrigerators, impacting the freshness and safety of stored food, but can they be used as one? In this blog, we'll tackle the question head-on and explore whether this unconventional approach to commercial refrigeration is a viable and cost-effective solution for commercial systems dealing with limited space or budget constraints....
Read more
What is The Difference Between Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration?
Posted on Thursday, September 14th, 2023When it comes to both commercial and industrial refrigeration, figuring out what exactly your business needs comes from knowing the difference between the two. The main differences between commercial and industrial refrigeration are the size and capacity of the equipment, power requirements, temperature range, types of refrigerants used, and maintenance and servicing needs....
Read more
Maximising Efficiency and Comfort In Your Business: What is Split System Air Conditioning?
Posted on Tuesday, August 08th, 2023In the realm of air conditioning, split-system air conditioners have emerged as a popular and versatile option for both commercial and residential spaces. Split system air conditioning consists of two main components: the indoor unit and the outdoor unit....
Read more
Efficiency and Comfort in Winter: Unraveling the Best AC Mode for Your Business
Posted on Wednesday, July 05th, 2023For commercial building owners and facility managers in Perth, knowing how your air conditioning units work during winter is crucial. Winter often creates a challenge: how to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without an immense energy bill?...
Read more
Ducted Evaporative Air Conditioning: How Much Does It Cost
Posted on Monday, June 05th, 2023As a commercial property owner or manager, finding a cooling solution that is both cost-effective and energy-efficient is a great way to save money. Ducted evaporative air conditioning systems can be a good choice to cool large spaces as they also reduce your business's energy usage. However, it's important to understand the costs of these systems before making any decisions....
Read more
Australian Winters – What’s The Best Temperature For Your Air Conditioning
Posted on Tuesday, May 09th, 2023As the winter season settles in Australia, it's important our workspaces are pleasant when we step in from the cold weather. However, with rising energy costs and how much air conditioning impacts the environment, it's more important than ever to find the ideal temperature in the winter months so that everyone is happy....
Read more
The Basics of HVAC Systems For Your Business: What You Need To Know
Posted on Friday, April 07th, 2023With Perth's hot summers, most if not all businesses need a form of air conditioning to keep everybody cool and comfortable. Air conditioning comes in many formatsc, with reverse cycle wall units, evaporative systems, and commercial HVAC split systems. The best air conditioner for your building depends on many factors, including the location, its surroundings, and its indoor space....
Read more
How Do Motion Sensor Lights Work?
Posted on Friday, March 10th, 2023Motion sensor lights are becoming a popular choice among business owners, with a lot of premises opting to automate even the simplest daily function. But what exactly are motion sensor lights, how do they work, and what are the benefits? Well, read on to find out if they would make a sensible addition to your business premises....
Read more