Improve Energy Efficiency In Your Commercial Building

It takes significant energy to keep a commercial building safe, functional, and comfortable for occupants. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), heating alone can account for approximately 32 percent of energy costs in a typical office setting. Lighting and ventilation account for another 10 percent apiece.

That’s a significant portion of your monthly energy bill. Understanding where and how energy is used can help you make informed decisions about upgrades, maintenance, and operational strategies.

Here are some strategies from Stellar Services to consider when evaluating how to reduce monthly energy bills while maintaining a comfortable and productive environment for employees, clients, and visitors.

1. Inspect and Upgrade the Building Envelope

The building envelope is the physical barrier separating the interior from the exterior—the building’s “skin.” It includes walls, floors, doors, windows, skylights, and the roof. A strong, well-maintained envelope is the foundation of energy efficiency.

Building Envelope Energy Efficiency Checklist:

• Inspect windows and doors for drafts. Replace with energy-efficient models if necessary.
• Check insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors. Add extra insulation where needed.
• Seal gaps around pipes, conduits, and vents.
• Inspect the roof for leaks or damage and repair as needed.
• Ensure skylights are properly sealed.

Stellar Services Pro Tip: Reinforcing the envelope reduces strain on your HVAC system, improving comfort and lowering energy costs.

2. Optimize Your HVAC System

HVAC systems are the largest energy consumers in most commercial buildings. Maintaining them properly and upgrading when necessary can have a significant impact.

HVAC Energy Efficiency Checklist:

• Schedule regular maintenance visits.
• Inspect and clean ductwork, fans, blowers, and registers.
• Replace or clean air filters regularly.
• Check electrical connections and system controls.
• Consider upgrading to energy-efficient units with variable-speed compressors.
• Install programmable or smart thermostats to optimize energy use.

Stellar Services Pro Tip: A well-maintained HVAC system not only saves money but extends equipment life.

3. Reduce Lighting Energy Use

Per the EIA, lighting can represent up to 10 percent of a building’s monthly energy usage. Small upgrades can lead to substantial savings.

Lighting Energy Efficiency Checklist:

• Replace incandescent or fluorescent bulbs with LED lighting.
• Install motion sensors or occupancy timers in low-traffic areas.
• Use daylight sensors to adjust lighting based on natural light availability.
• Keep light fixtures clean and dust-free for maximum efficiency.

Stellar Services Pro Tip: Smart lighting systems can adjust automatically to occupancy and daylight, cutting unnecessary usage.

4. Maintain Electrical Systems and Other Equipment

A properly maintained electrical system ensures safe operation and helps prevent wasted energy.

Electrical Energy Efficiency Checklist:

• Inspect transformers, distribution panels, and wiring for wear or inefficiency.
• Keep appliances and office equipment energy-efficient.
• Encourage employees to shut down computers and unplug devices when not in use.
• Consider smart power strips to eliminate standby energy loss.

Stellar Services Pro Tip: Even small behavioral changes, combined with energy-efficient equipment, can significantly reduce your monthly energy bill.

Track and Monitor Energy Use

Knowing where your building uses energy is key to identifying opportunities for savings.

Energy Tracking Checklist:

1. Monitor monthly energy bills to identify trends.
2. Consider energy management software or submetering for high-use areas.
3. Track the impact of upgrades and behavioral changes.

Continuous monitoring helps prioritize future upgrades and prevents wasted energy.

Contact Stellar Services for All Your Commercial Energy Needs

Energy efficiency in commercial buildings starts with the building envelope and HVAC system. Regular maintenance, strategic upgrades, and simple operational changes can dramatically reduce energy costs while keeping occupants comfortable.

At Stellar Services, our commercial energy experts can help your systems run at peak performance, inspect every critical component, and recommend improvements like upgraded insulation, energy-efficient windows, LED lighting, and smart thermostats.

Our team is ready to assist with all your commercial energy efficiency needs. If rising energy costs are a concern, call us at 352-353-1979 or request service online to schedule a consultation in the Newberry, FL, area. Together, we’ll pinpoint inefficiencies and help redirect energy savings back into your business.