Saving costs on your facilities energy usage can allow you to reallocate funds to other facilities needs. OMNIA Partners understands the importance of keeping your facilities in top condition, so we've partnered with Grainger to provide some tips to help you reduce costs. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems combine all climate control technologies into one package. All sizes of facilities can benefit from an integrated HVAC system that reduces overall climate control costs while improving working conditions.
The HVAC equipment alone doesn’t yield efficiency—they must be properly maintained, have coordinated technology and energy-efficient practices to provide consistent heating and cooling. Estimated savings can help you prioritize investments to best reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Regular Maintenance
All systems require regular upkeep and repair to stay at peak performance. To maintain efficient HVAC functions, consider these actions:
- Change air filters regularly
- Clean air ducts of debris
- Protect cooling lines and external fans from freezing conditions
- Perform regular inspections
Estimated Savings of 5% - 40% of HVAC related energy costs
Smart Technology
Smart thermostats and sensors can automatically set and regulate temperature while factoring in habits, weather and real temperature to adjust to the right climate, significantly reducing climate controls costs. These devices can even shut off heating and cooling when facilities are closed and turn back on to adjust the temperature before work resumes.
Estimated Savings of 2% of annual energy spend with a half-year to pay back upfront costs
Personal Climate Control
Not all facilities have even airflow and venting. Even with good design, shelving and 
machinery can dramatically change airflow and local temperature. Personal preferences also vary greatly by individual, so employees can use portable indoor heaters or fans to adjust the temperature in a smaller area. This is a solution that doesn't take a toll on the overall heating and cooling system and helps keep employees comfortable. Relocating hot machinery or servers to climate-controlled rooms can also keep temperatures more even.
Estimated Savings of 5%-15% reduction in energy use
Insulation and Efficiency
Perhaps the most significant change that can be made to make HVAC systems more efficient is the implementation of a proper insulation strategy. Poorly insulated facilities and leaky walls and roofs will constantly leak hot and cold air out of the building, which causes HVAC machinery to work harder to maintain a temperature, wasting money and affecting long-term performance. Solutions can range from window covers, insulating pipes, replacing old insulation as it wears over time, filling gaps that can cause drafts and seasonal considerations with draining pipes to avoid freezing and sealing vents.
Estimated savings of 90% reduction in wasted energy when pipes are insulated and wall, window and exterior insulation can reduce heat loss by 25%
A robust HVAC strategy goes beyond installing the heating and cooling system. Through regular maintenance, smart electronics, personal heating and cooling tools, and strong insulation, any HVAC system can perform at peak efficiency.
To view the full article visit the link on Grainger's website: here
Visit Grainger.com to learn more about how to maintain your HVAC machinery. Through our partnership with Grainger, OMNIA Partners participating agencies have access to a complete selection of products, services and resources to help keep your facility running efficiently.
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