Cool Runnings: 10 Top Tips for Business With Air Conditioning Units This Summer
Summer is heating up, and so are the mid-afternoon slumps and irritability. Did you know that according to a Nasa report, office productivity decreases 3.6% for every degree over 22°C? As temperatures rise, keeping your office air conditioning systems in top shape becomes even more crucial for maintaining a comfortable and productive work environment. By ensuring that your air conditioning units are well-maintained, you make certain that the office stays cool. You also help to prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. In this guide, we share 10 essential tips to help businesses keep their units running smoothly all summer long. From routine checks to simple maintenance hacks, these strategies will help you beat the heat, avoid frustration and keep your cool all season long.
Professional Maintenance and Servicing
Schedule regular maintenance checks with a professional HVAC technician. They will check refrigerant levels, clean or replace filters, and inspect the overall system for any potential issues to ensure the unit’s efficient operation. Ideally this should be done before summer begins. Regular servicing is also essential to maintain warranty coverage as most manufacturers stipulate regular maintenance by a qualified engineer or company from the date of purchase.
Optimise Thermostat Temperature Settings
Adjusting your thermostat to the optimal temperature of 22°C, not only maximises comfort but also enhances energy efficiency.
Ensure Proper Airflow
Good airflow is essential for efficient cooling. Keep all vents and grills, as well as the area around the ground box, clean and clear of obstructions. Are you aware that just 1mm of dust on the heating and cooling coils can decrease your system’s performance by over 20%? Regular maintenance helps to avoid this.
Use Energy-Efficient Practices
Close doors and windows when the air conditioning unit is on and make use of blinds and curtains to block out direct sunlight. Use fans to circulate air and turn off unnecessary lights and heat-generating equipment to maintain a constant indoor temperature. Programmable or smart thermostats can automatically adjust the temperature of your air conditioning system during non-working hours to save energy.
Change the Air Filter Regularly
Change the air filter at least once a year, unless legislation dictates that the filter is replaced more frequently. It is essential to know the requirements of your business system and adhere to them to ensure the most efficient function and best air quality.
Upgrade and Insulate
Old and inefficient air conditioning units are more costly to run. If you have an old model, consider upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model. Additionally, ensure that your building has sufficient wall, roof, window and door insulation, as this can significantly improve the efficacy of your system.
Use the Right Size Air Conditioning Unit for the Room Size
For the most optimal cooling efficiency, ensure that the air conditioning system is the correct size for the space that they are cooling. Oversized or undersized units can result in higher energy consumption, uneven cooling, and excessive wear and tear of the equipment due to frequent start-stop cycles.
Make Use of Seasonal Settings
Engineers can assist with proper settings to winter and summer modes to ensure optimal comfort with seasons change. This may extend the lifespan of the system, will improve comfort and reduce energy consumption. #
Reduce Your Total Electricity Bill
In the UK, air conditioning systems consume 20-40% of the total electricity bill during peak summer months. You can significantly lower these expenses for your business by ensuring that your units are regularly maintained and running efficiently.
Ensure A Healthy Work Environment
Assist in reducing respiratory issues and allergies amongst your employees by keeping the air filters of your air conditioning units clean. Replacing and cleaning these filters frequently will enhance the indoor air quality and create a healthier work environment. By following these tips, businesses can ensure their air conditioning systems run efficiently in summer, providing a productive and comfortable environment for both employees and visiting customers, while also managing energy costs.
Give us a shout for a free assessment of your air conditioning units.