As the warmer months start to roll in, get ready for some sweltering temperatures. Calgarians are no strangers to plus 30 weather. Not only can energy consumption get out of hand during this time, the heat can pose a very serious health risk to those working in and amongst mechanical equipment. In this week’s article, we are going to explore the most efficient ways to keep your heat, and your costs, down.
Assess Your HVAC
Chances are, you’re not too worried about the first letter of that acronym. Mother Nature has already brought you the heat. What you want to take a look at are the ventilation and air conditioning elements of your HVAC system. You need the proper air flow to move or contain that heat coming off of your equipment. In addition, air conditioning will be a godsend for many mechanical facilities and commercial buildings. That’s why you should be changing your filters regularly to ensure your HVAC is running efficiently. If all is not well, you are going to be overusing your AC and driving up your energy bills astronomically.
Schedule Your Energy Use
For commercial buildings or smaller industrial facilities, this could simply be ensuring that your AC is only running when absolutely necessary and your equipment, including lights, are turned off when not in use. For larger operations that run 24/7 or nearly so, there are additional ways to keep energy use under control. For example, if your larger machines are heat-producing monsters, set up a schedule where they alternate being in use. That way they aren’t creating more heat than your HVAC system can handle, and your energy output is more consistent.
Inspect and Update your Insulation
At the end of the day, none of this will matter if your facility is outfitted with insufficient insulation. An amazing HVAC system and well-maintained equipment isn’t enough to keep those energy costs low. Mechanical insulation works in tandem with your other systems to ensure that they are working efficiently and effectively.
Excessive heat can cause exhaustion and a plethora of health issues, not to mention the wear and tear it has on your equipment and the fire hazards it creates. Don’t let poor maintenance drive up your energy output, and ultimately your costs. For insulation and firestopping services, contact the experts at Westcal Insulation today!
