Weather the Winter with These HVAC Tips (PDF)
BY ED HUTCHINSON, PRESIDENT, HUTCHINSON MECHANICAL SERVICES
Hutchinson Mechanical Services, a leading mechanical services contractor serving the Tri-State Region’s commercial customers, offers HVAC tips to help add life to your systems, keep you comfortable this winter and improve your bottom line.
1. KEEP YOUR THERMOSTAT UNDER 70° F
Set your thermostat at 68°during the day and at 60° at night. You can save approximately 3% on heating costs for every degree under 70. There are a variety of web and cloud based comfort control systems available today to ensure that these settings are maintained, and employees will not have to worry or remember to adjust the settings when they leave the office.
2. CLEAN OR REPLACE FILTERS EVERY MONTH
A dirty filter restricts airflow and makes the system work harder than necessary. By cleaning or replacing filters regularly, you’ll improve efficiency and ensure a more comfortable environment.
3. ESTABLISH A PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM FOR YOUR HVAC EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS.
Routine cleaning can have a significant impact on energy efficiency, according to the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)’s O&M Center of Excellence.
• Change or clean all air filters, preferably every month.
• Repair leaks in piping, air duct s, coils, fittings and at the unit( s).
• Replace defective equipment insulation, ducting and piping.
• Install/upgrade HVAC controls to include new energy management systems technologies.
4. PREVENT FROZEN PIPES
• Insulate pipes.
• Seal air leaks to keep the cold out.
• Shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside irrigation. Before winter hits, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside irrigation.
• Trickle water. Hot or cold water will help keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm
water drip overnight from a faucet on an outside wall.
5. CLEAN HEATING DUCTS
Heating ducts should be cleaned periodically to allow efficient heating and provide fresh, clean air. A routine inspection will ensure there are no punctures, dents or disconnected parts. Damaged ducts can raise your heating bills by blowing wasted warm air. Also check to make sure the ducts are properly insulated.
6. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ENERGY EFFICIENT PROGRAMS
Hutchinson is a Participating Contractor in New Jersey’s most successful Clean Energy Program – Direct Install. Direct Install currently pays up to 70 percent of the cost of energy efficiency upgrades for businesses and local governments. Through the program, Hutchinson provides prospective customers with a FREE energy assessment to identify eligible equipment, including lighting upgrades, HVAC, refrigeration, motors, natural gas equipment and variable frequency drives.
7. REPLACE INEFFICIENT, OUTDATED OR EXCESSIVE LIGHTING WITHIN YOUR BUILDING
Regardless of the season, replace existing light bulbs with compact fluorescents and LED’s which produce three to four times as much light per watt as incandescent bulbs.
For More HVAC Tips, Contact Hutchinson to schedule an energy assessment appointment.
Ed Hutchinson, President
Hutchinson Mechanical Services
(888) 777-4501
www.hutchbiz.com
