For most commercial building owners and managers, HVAC energy efficiency is a major priority. Heating and cooling costs add up quickly throughout the month, and anything you can do to save energy will help you control those costs, even in extreme temperatures. Here are six ways to improve your HVAC energy efficiency to create a greener profile for your company and improve your bottom line:

Perform Regular Maintenance on Your HVAC System

The cost of routine maintenance pales in comparison to the cost of fixing a broken system—not to the mention the discomfort and even danger of going without heating or air conditioning while you're waiting for repairs. Dirty coils and pipes or broken components can contribute to energy loss as your system has to work harder to produce the same temperatures in your industrial or commercial building. Regular maintenance, which may include cleaning or replacing air filters, lubricating parts, inspecting connections, and ensuring the thermostat works properly, will help ensure your system runs efficiently and enjoys a long lifespan.

Conduct an Energy Audit

This assessment will give you a thorough understanding of how much energy your building uses, not only for its heating and cooling systems, but for lighting, appliances, electronics, machinery, and more. When you're face-to-face with your energy costs, you'll be able to see where you can cut back and what a difference a programmable thermostat, updated HVAC system, window and door sealing, or another improvement can make.

Install Programmable Thermostats and Variable Speed Equipment

No one has to remember to turn down the thermostat when you leave for the night or the weekend. Instead, you can program it to adjust the temperature according to times of the day or days of the week so you can avoid heating or cooling an empty space. Smart technology allows you to connect your system to an app, giving you the freedom to manage the temperature in your building no matter where you are.

With variable speed equipment, your fans and motors don't have to be on high all the time. Set the speed according to your current needs to save energy and save money.

Use a Variable Refrigeration Flow System

This advanced technology allows you to direct heat where it's most needed in your building. Instead of heating all rooms equally, you can direct heat away from empty spaces and toward busy offices, conference rooms, and work stations.

Replace Outdated Heating and Cooling Systems

Today's systems are built for greater energy efficiency. If your business has grown or changed since the original system was installed, it may not even be designed to meet your current needs, and it may be working harder than it should. In some cases, you can retrofit an old system to save energy—in other cases, it's best to start fresh. Here are a few signs that it's time to get a new one:

• Your system is more than 10 years old
• You notice uneven heating and cooling throughout your building
• Your energy costs are more than they used to be
• Your equipment is requiring more frequent repairs
• You notice unusual sounds or smells coming from your system

Educate Your Team About HVAC Energy Efficiency

In the end, the effort to save energy is good for the environment and the entire company. As you save money in one area, you can use that money for something else that needs your attention. Keep your employees up-to-speed about your energy goals, how they can help, and what it means for the business and for them as individuals. That may be as simple as turning off lights when they're not in the room or closing curtains during the hottest part of the summer.

If you need air filters, replacement parts, or a new heating or cooling system to improve your building's HVAC energy efficiency, NorthStock maintains a large inventory of products from the industry's top manufacturers, and we can ship them to you quickly. Contact us if you have any questions or if you'd like to place an order.