Many companies today strive to be energy efficient, whether it’s for environmental reasons or financial ones. However, knowing how to make this change can be a little tricky, especially if you’re not sure where to start.
If you’re interested in learning more about making your commercial building more energy-efficient, keep reading. Below you’ll discover a handful of methods you can use.
Benefits of an Energy-Efficient Building
Making your building a bit more eco-friendly comes with many perks. These include:
- Lowering carbon emissions
- Reducing energy bills
- Increasing your property's value
- Making it a more comfortable space for your employees
5 Ways to Make Your Commercial Building Energy Efficient
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Use Window Tinting
Many people mistakenly think that window tinting is solely for privacy. While it can be used for this, window tinting has surprising energy-saving benefits.
Tinting shields the window panes from intense sunlight, especially UV rays. When these beams hit the window, the tinting sorts through their type. Those that provide only light will get to pass through, while those that generate heat will be blocked.
But it’s not just energy efficiency that window tinting promotes. It can also reduce interior glare, making it much easier for your workers to move around and look at their devices.
Commercial window tinting in Charlotte, NC, is also meant to last. The heavy-duty film is designed for heavy-duty work, so there’s a need to worry about bubbling or cracking. In addition, commercial window tinting will stay the same, unlike other items that might fade over time under intense sunlight.
If you’re unsure whether this option is right for you, consider getting a quote. A window-tinting expert will walk you through the process and give you a general idea of how much it will cost. This price will be based on how many windows your building has and if you have special requests.
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Install LEDs
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are bulbs that require much less electricity than traditional ones to run. LEDs use microchips to collect currents which are then passed over to the diodes to illuminate them.
LEDs stay calm because they don’t generate as much heat. So while you shouldn’t touch them, they won’t burn your hand as much as incandescents. In addition, if you prefer to use LEDs, you don’t have to install new technology. Instead, you can substitute your current bulbs with LEDs.
Apart from this, LEDs are much more durable and can last for up to 100,000 hours. This can save you quite a bit of money.
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Rely on Sunlight
Another way to make your building energy efficient is to use sunlight to illuminate your office. This reduces the need for running electricity. In addition, you can adjust desks inside to face this natural light so that it’s easy to see inside.
While you’ll need to use man-made lights sometimes, you can save on your energy bill by installing solar panels. These will collect energy from the sun and store it until you need it. When you do, the panels will send this energy through cells, igniting an electrical current and converting it into electricity.
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Monitor Your HVAC
Almost every commercial building is equipped with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This device ensures that your building has enough cool or warm air during the year.
Because it’s so heavily relied on, HVACs can use a lot of energy. This is why it’s essential to look at investing in a model that has energy-efficient features.
Besides doing occasional check-ups, make sure that your HVAC system uses Smart technology. This makes it easier for you to control the device remotely but can help the appliance automatically know when to adjust things. For instance, if it notices temperatures getting a bit higher than average, Smart technology allows the HVAC to regulate itself. This prevents it from overworking.
If you’re not sure whether your current system has this, contact an HVAC technician. They can answer your questions and guide you on how to make it more efficient.
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Check Your Insulation
Your building’s insulation can significantly impact your energy efficiency. Insulation acts like a barrier preventing air from seeping in and out. If a structure’s insulation has cracks or has been damaged, it could cause fluctuating temperatures. This will make your HVAC work harder to regulate airflow.
Some signs that your commercial building might have an insulation problem include:
- Sudden high energy bills
- Strange drafts
- Wet walls (a result of moisture in insulation)
Making your commercial building energy efficient isn’t as daunting as it might seem. With these tips, you can easily convert the structure to be more environmentally friendly and help you save money.
