With global warming rapidly impacting summer temperatures, air conditioning is becoming a necessity for Timaru businesses. In 2021 Timaru broke its highest temperature record hitting 37.5°C, and from looking at temperature trends, it is set to rise again. Below are tips to help your business save money when combating these soaring temperatures.
Employ a Recognised and Trusted Air Conditioning Installer
If your air conditioning unit is not correctly installed from the beginning, it can reduce efficiency and capacity by more than 20%, resulting in higher costs for your business. By working with an accredited air conditioning company, you will not face substandard installation issues. You will be given an electrical certificate of compliance which assures you that all work is done effectively and is compliant with New Zealand standards.
Many installers also provide you with a warranty. At Cool Air in Timaru, we offer a 12-month warranty that includes all workmanship, parts and labour. So if any faults occur within the first 12 months, there will be no charge to service it.
Create a Pleasant Environment for Customers
When it gets hot on summer days in Timaru, many people will avoid going into a business where the showroom is sweltering. However, they always enjoy being able to cool down in an air conditioned shop, and potentially purchase products. Therefore, by installing an air conditioning unit, you are helping to bring in more clientele resulting in more profit for your company. This experience will also help to leave a lasting impact on your customers resulting in further business in the future.
Use a Quality Air Conditioning Unit
A trusted and leading air conditioning system will help reduce your costs as the unit will run as efficiently as possible. This means you will waste no energy and will not face unnecessary charges. Top air conditioning brands focus on creating innovative products that are efficient and environmentally friendly. You are helping your business reduce its cooling costs by being a part of this innovative environment.
Make Use of the Timer Function on Your AC Unit
Have your timer set to turn your air conditioning unit on outside of the peak times before you get to work. This means your system will use less energy when reaching the set temperature, ultimately helping to lower your energy costs.
Install an Energy Efficient Intelligent System
An energy-efficient intelligent system uses less energy to cool your business than a standard air conditioning system. By using less energy, the company is saving money. Most air conditioning units nowadays have an energy-efficient system built in but check with your provider prior to installation.
EECA have found that using an energy-efficient system in a commercial area can reduce costs by up to half. Also, some efficient options are cheaper than the standard system.
Businesses have the largest opportunity to benefit from using energy-efficient systems as they have a better financial outcome than residential use. In addition, by choosing energy efficiency, you are helping reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Have Your Air Conditioning Unit Regularly Serviced
Air conditioning units need to be regularly serviced. It is recommended you have it serviced twice yearly, once in autumn and once in spring. However, depending on its use, you may need to check it more frequently.
During a service, the filter on the air conditioning unit should be checked and replaced or cleaned accordingly. When filters aren’t cleaned, the unit has to work harder, resulting in higher costs.
Set your Air Conditioning Unit at the Correct Temperature
During our lovely South Canterbury summers, you may want to cool the room down quickly, so the air conditioning unit is set lower than needed. However, setting the temperature extremely low puts unnecessary pressure on the unit, consuming more energy. This will result in a higher energy bill. You should set your air conditioner between 21 and 23°C for the most efficiency.
You are saving money by having your unit set at a higher temperature. Air conditioners use 3% to 5% less energy for every degree raised. By setting the temperature correctly, the unit is not working as hard to stay at a lower temperature. You may think this temperature is too high to cool you. However, studies have found that people are most comfortable at this temperature.
Another way you can save money is by leaving your unit at the same temperature throughout the day. If you are constantly changing the temperature, the unit has to work harder to continually meet it, resulting in higher energy consumption.
Use the Correct Settings
To be the most efficient, it is best to have your fan set to auto. When set to auto, the fan will only turn on when air is being cooled. If you have the fan on normally, it will constantly run even when the air conditioning unit isn’t actively cooling. It is resulting in an unnecessary use of energy.
Most modern air conditioners have an eco mode. When this is turned on, it limits the air conditioner’s performance to a maximum of 70%, therefore letting it run more efficiently. When using eco mode, it will likely not maintain the exact set temperature, there will be some fluctuation. Eco mode is similar to auto, except you can also control the fan speed. Using eco mode will reduce the amount of energy used.
Install Air Curtains
An additional item that can be installed is air curtains—these help to maintain the heating and cooling within your place of business. Air curtains also help to save energy as they enhance your air conditioning unit making it more efficient.
Air curtains are also useful for keeping dust, insects and other contaminants from entering your business, making it a cleaner environment for staff and customers.
Air curtains can be customised to meet your company’s needs. Customisations include the shape, controls, noise, performance and length. There are four different mounting options wall mounted, ceiling mounted, suspended and concealed.
Conclusion
You can take many steps to save money when using air conditioning in your business, especially during those hot summer months in Timaru.