Insulation and Commercial HVAC Systems: Know the Facts for Energy Efficiency 

The Right Insulation Can Save You Money

As a commercial building owner, understanding how insulation works with your HVAC system for maximum energy efficient heating and cooling is important. After all, it won’t matter how powerful your system is if you don’t have the right insulation, properly installed, to back it up. Let’s take a look at this first line of defense for saving on utilities bills, below.

How Much Heat Are You Losing Now?

Quite simply, good insulation is fundamental for high performance HVAC. Otherwise, your building will lose significant energy through walls, the roof and even your foundation. With rapidly changing technologies, today’s insulative materials each offer particular advantages. Fiberglass, the standby for many commercial buildings, is often used for ductwork as it is fire resistant and is available at low cost. Elastomeric foam, known for moisture resistance and flexibility, can be used for pipes and chilled water systems, while polyisocyanurate board insulation works well for exterior duct uses. Spray foam insulation can be placed almost anywhere, and mineral wool  is the gold standard for fire resistance and effective sound proofing. Discuss your options with the HVAC experts at Air-Tro.

Regular Inspections Are Essential

Make sure you’re inspecting your building envelope regularly. Gaps, moisture damage and even overall compression from settling or earthquakes can damage your insulation and compromise how well these materials are working for you. Important areas to stay abreast of include roof/wall intersections, areas where utilities penetrate and of course the construction around doors and windows. Remember, upgrading insulation for an existing commercial building has been shown to yield reductions in heating and cooling boats by about 20- 30%. That is a big deal for any operations budget.

Maintenance Issues

Obviously, regular HVAC maintenance remains a cornerstone of energy efficiency in a commercial building. Regularly serviced equipment components, clean air filters and coils make a huge difference for system reliability and output. But it is important to realize that even with the very best upkeep, any commercial heating and cooling system will not work as effectively in an under-insulated building. Indeed, your HVAC will have to work harder and wear out faster without it.

Get the most from your equipment and promoting indoor comfort throughout your building. Assess the insulation in your building, and make choices after consulting the professionals. The right decisions can improve energy efficiency, lower your utility costs and keep your tenants happy all year long.

Did you know Air-Tro is the Reader’s Choice for the San Gabriel Valley? Discover why we’re the  HVAC company so many commercial business owners trust for their heating and air conditioning. Call us today at (626)357-3535.