February 26, 2017


According to the US Department of Energy, more than 30 percent of the energy and cost used in powering Commercial HVAC systems gets wasted.

Reduce St. Louis Commercial HVAC Cost

Sustainability, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness are some of the features that commercial consumers look for while purchasing heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. However, many are unaware that HVAC systems are in fact one of the most energy-intensive systems used in commercial setups.

St. Louis HVAC experts believe that reducing this huge energy waste is imperative for higher sustainability, better energy efficiency, and cost reduction. There are 6 simple, yet effective, ways commercial business owners can achieve these.

1. Regular HVAC filter replacement

Dirty filters block airflow in the system. This can lead to an overworked HVAC system and poor air quality inside the building. Dirty filters also lead to a number of maintenance issues and increase operating costs. Ideally, air filters in a commercial should be checked or replaced every 1 to 3 months. These regular maintenance checks can reduce energy waste by 5 to 10 percent.

2. Using programmable thermostats

St. Louis HVAC experts have found that in commercial HVAC setups, the temperature setting remains constant for long periods of time. Often, the workforce in different locations, within a building, can have different temperature needs. Adjusting the temperature settings to suit these varied needs becomes a burden, especially in a large facility where businesses strive to achieve cost reduction, energy savings, and sustainability.

Programmable thermostats enable flexibility in temperature settings depending on the season and can be altered according to the usage of the indoor space. They can even be programmed to run a 5+2 day week or a 7 day week depending on the work schedules of the business.

3. Regular quality maintenance check-ups

Regular maintenance check-ups can help reduce maintenance costs by about 40%. Regular scheduled maintenance check-ups conducted by a trained and qualified St. Louis HVAC professional will help keep a check on faulty parts, and substandard or old parts that need to replaced or repaired. It is also imperative to find a trustworthy technician who is knowledgeable, adept, and has the necessary skill when it comes to maintaining and repairing any commercial HVAC system.

4. Properly sealed heating / cooling ducts

The heating or cooling ducts in an HVAC system should be properly sealed to avoid leakage. Ducts are usually sealed by using foil tape, or a blown-in sealant like aerosol or mastic, and are further fortified by insulation. Regular duct checks conducted by a St. Louis HVAC technician, especially to check if unprotected areas – like those underneath the facility or in storage spaces of the facility are well insulated are important. Proper sealing of ducts itself can lead to a 20 percent increase in the efficiency of the HVAC system.

5. HVAC upgrade or replacement

HVAC systems like everything else have a shelf life. Businesses should ensure that along with regular maintenance checks, the need to upgrade or replace worn-out equipment or the entire HVAC itself should be addressed. Running an HVAC system past its shelf life can result in massive energy wastage and exorbitant running costs. Simply making the decision to upgrade or replace an HVAC system can improve efficiency by 5 to 20 percent.

6. Always use a qualified St. Louis HVAC contractor

All the aforementioned maintenance checks should be conducted only by a trained, experienced, and qualified technician. Get in touch with our St. Louis commercial HVAC experts for all your installation, maintenance, and repair needs.