Decreasing one’s carbon footprint is admirable and potentially financially beneficial. By doing this, business owners may cut their costs and qualify for certain benefits from the government. Here are five ways business owners in Berlin, MD, might reduce their carbon footprints.
1. Invest in Smart Technology
Smart technology is one of the greatest efficiency boosters. Anything that increases the energy efficiency of the devices you use in the course of business will save you money. But it can also have indirect effects that lower your carbon footprint.
For example, a smart thermostat will exert precise control over your commercial HVAC system. Thus, the system will turn on and off exactly when it needs to, and it will use no more energy than necessary to carry out its objectives.
Smart thermostats’ recovery mode feature can push HVAC efficiency even higher. When your thermostat is in recovery mode, it turns on your HVAC system and operates it at a low intensity. It does this so temperatures can reach your ideal level at the appointed time and with the least expenditure of energy. This can be extremely useful just before you open your doors for the day.
You can take this even further by getting smart windows, doors, and other items. Connecting all of these things to a Wi-Fi network will make it easier to operate them all in tandem in the most environmentally friendly way.
2. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your commercial HVAC system is critically important for your business for many reasons. However, we’ll only focus here on its relation to your business’s carbon footprint.
As you use your HVAC system, debris will inevitably build up in its ducts, coils, compressor, valves, filters, registers, and other essential components. This debris can curtail airflow through the system and hamper the functioning of its components. As a result, the system’s overall energy efficiency will drop.
Once efficiency falls, your thermostat may compel your system to consume more energy to reach your climate control goals. Thus, your system will waste energy, and your utility bills will rise. Consequently, your company’s carbon footprint will also rise.
More directly, as debris flows through your system, some of that debris will end up in the air at your place of business and decrease the indoor air quality (IAQ) there. A poorly maintained commercial HVAC system is also more likely to accidentally leak dangerous substances like refrigerant and natural gas. This will also increase pollution and raise your carbon footprint.
We strongly recommend scheduling professional maintenance on your commercial HVAC system at least once per year. Biannual maintenance would be even better.
3. Upgrade Your Insulation
Poor insulation is one of the largest detriments to long-term commercial HVAC inefficiency. Insulation in the walls, floors, and ductwork of your place of business ensures that your HVAC can both heat and cool the area effectively. That means a lower carbon footprint.
However, that insulation wears down over time. If it’s been 15 years or more since you got your insulation, it may be time to replace it.
4. Replace Your System if It’s Too Old
You should consider replacing your commercial HVAC system after about 15-20 years of service. Even though this may entail some upfront costs, an old commercial HVAC system will probably be inefficient and pollute a great deal.
5. Go Geothermal
If the time is right to replace your commercial HVAC system, consider getting a new geothermal system. Geothermal HVAC systems are extremely efficient and can function reliably for 20-25 years. Thus, if you make this choice, you can slash your carbon footprint and save a lot of money on energy in the long run.
You don’t need to think of cutting carbon emissions as always entailing a sacrifice. The truth is that business owners in Berlin, MD, may greatly benefit from taking action on this front. To help your company meet that goal, call Griffith Energy Services and ask for our excellent HVAC services today.
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