Cold weather is coming, and you want your business to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Cold spots or uneven temperatures can make your space less pleasant for employees, visitors and customers, which can impact productivity, profitability and your public image.
Uneven indoor temperatures typically indicate heat loss through gaps in the building envelope or through poor insulation. Take these steps to seal in heat loss, increase comfort and boost your bottom line all winter long.
Weatherize doors and windows. Inspect windows for cracked caulk or gaps around the edges, and replace damaged or missing caulk. Make sure exterior doors seal tightly and replace old or loose weatherstripping.
Close the gaps. Check for gaps between the foundation and walls, as well as around plumbing or wiring access to the outside. Seal with caulk or spray foam insulation.
Seal ductwork. Leaky ducts can have a serious impact on system efficiency, costing your facility energy dollars. Inspect accessible ductwork for leaks and seal with mastic tape.
Check building insulation. Adequate wall and ceiling insulation is critical for optimizing energy efficiency and ensuring comfort. The right level of insulation for your business depends on facility type, local climate and other factors. Hire a qualified contractor to ensure your building insulation levels meet or exceed those recommended in the ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standard for Buildings, and add insulation if needed.
More ways to save
With your building sealed up tight, use these measures to save even more energy and improve indoor air quality.
- Get a tune-up. Hire a qualified professional to inspect and clean your heating system at least once a year.
- Change air filters. Dirty filters block airflow. Change furnace filters regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Adjust building temperatures. Adjust the thermostat to save energy according to your operating schedule. Smart thermostats can optimize savings and convenience while offering advanced features, such as remote control.
Consider a business energy audit. A qualified professional will inspect your facility and provide you with a list of targeted energy-saving measures that, when properly implemented, can significantly reduce your operating costs.