Heat up cool down
Heating and cooling can be a major energy user in the workplace. There are a few simple things you can do which will make your workplace heating and cooling more efficient:
1. Block draughts around the edges of doors and windows with weather strips, which are sold cheaply at hardware stores.
2. If there are windows which get a lot of sunshine in the summer, install awnings to create some shade.
3. Only heat your offices to 19 or 20 degrees in winter, and only cool to 26 degrees in summer. With a jumper, this temperature range should be comfortable, and it won’t send the energy bills, or greenhouse gas emissions, through the roof. Find out where your heating and cooling system is and make sure the thermostat settings are right.
4. If your workplace has a range hood, make sure the extraction duct is insulated, so heat doesn’t escape into the ceiling cavity.
5. If your workplace has outdoor HVAC condensers, make sure that they are shaded, so they can work more efficiently.
6. If there are times when only parts of your work place are being used, heat or cool them with small fans or heaters instead of turning on the central heating or cooling system. Or open the windows!
7. If you have an electric heating system, consider installing a natural gas one instead.
8. Speak to your building manager to make sure the heating and cooling is switched off at night and on weekends.
Don’t stop now.
Why not be a water smart workplace too?
