When running a business in a subtropical climate, having adequate commercial air conditioning is a must. However, you need to find a balance between cost and comfort.
In order to keep cooling costs down, while maximising the benefits of your commercial air conditioning, you should have a specialist, work out the cooling load for your business so you are able to purchase the most energy efficient system for your needs.
Having a qualified technician do the installation is a must. A qualified technician will make sure that all wiring is done safely and correctly and will also assess the areas that need to be cooled. They will find the most energy efficient space in which to install the air conditioning system as well as to direct air flow away from obstructions for the most economical cooling possible.
For every 1°C of cooling that you don’t use, you save money. Instead of setting the air conditioner for 23°C set it for 24°C or higher. The most energy efficient temperature setting for your air conditioning is generally considered to be around 24 – 25°C in summer and 19 – 21°C in winter.
If your commercial air conditioning has a recycle function, you should use it, since recycling and cooling indoor air takes much less electricity than pulling hot air from outside to cool. Every fortnight, clean the air filter on your air conditioner and schedule required maintenance with a qualified technician to keep your commercial air conditioner running efficiently, see our article on how to clean your filter.
Program the commercial air conditioning system to cool the building, only when it is going to be occupied so you’re not cooling empty space. However, if you’re in the middle of a heat wave you might consider keeping the building at a moderate temperature when unoccupied in order to protect delicate electronics or materials. Never exceed the manufacturers’ recommended settings for your air conditioning unit.
Shade your windows by adding outdoor awnings as well as indoor curtains or shutters. If possible upgrade to double paned, energy efficient windows to reduce heat absorption by 80% or more in summer as well as retain heat better in winter.
Monitor all sources of heat, making sure lights and appliances are turned off when not needed and any storage rooms that don’t need cooling are kept shut. You may want to install self closing doors. These steps will ensure you business receives maximum cooling for minimal cost.
Contact Brisbane Air today to discover which commercial air conditioning unit is the right one for your business!