A priority for landlords and property managers is keeping their Tenants and guests cool and comfortable during the summer months. This can be a challenge in Nashville’s heat and humidity.
While Tennessee summers are always hot, this one is proving to be particularly brutal. The result is that it’s been difficult and expensive to keep commercial properties cool. That said, there are things property managers can do to make it more efficient to keep their spaces comfortable. Here are some tips to efficiently keep your commercial space cool this summer.
Adjust the Thermostat
If your building isn’t occupied in the evening or on weekends, you should make adjustments to the thermostat. For example, if you keep it set at 78 during the day, adjust it to 85 at night, on weekends, or on holidays. This small shift can lead to substantial savings on your utility bill. And, if you upgrade to programmable thermostats, this is an easy adjustment to make.
Evaluate Lighting
Making some small changes to your lighting can make your building more efficient in a number of ways. First, it’s important to remove any excess lighting in your building. Only provide the amount of lighting needed, nothing more. Second, you want to make sure that lights are only on when spaces are occupied. You can do this by using motion sensors or by providing Tenants with a clear lighting policy. Third, update your lightbulbs. Incandescent bulbs give off 90% of their energy as heat. In contrast, LED bulbs give off less heat and are more efficient. If you haven’t already, phase out incandescent bulbs and only install LED bulbs. All of these changes will make your property more efficient during the summer months.
Replace HVAC Filters
If your HVAC filters are old and dirty, your system will not cool as efficiently. Additionally, the filter won’t be as effective, resulting in more allergens throughout your building. It’s important to replace your HVAC filters quarterly. That said, given the strain on the system during the summer months, it’s always a good idea to inspect the filters and replace them if needed.
Have Your HVAC System Serviced
It’s also important to have your entire HVAC system inspected and serviced. This is key for avoiding emergency outages and making sure that the system is working correctly. Plus, routine service of your HVAC system will ensure that the system is clean and running well, which will make it more efficient to keep your building cool.
Utilize Fans
Taking advantage of fans or even installing new fans can be a great way to keep your space cool this summer. When fans are rotating in a counterclockwise rotation, they’ll push cold air down. This will help to make cooling more efficient and make your spaces more comfortable due to a wind chill factor.
Keep Your Commercial Space Cool This Summer
Hopefully, your building will be comfortable and inviting even on the hottest days this summer. As you focus on keeping your spaces cool, don’t forget about the importance of keeping them clean and safe.
At Nashville BHS, our team of dependable professional cleaners can help make sure that your space is pristine and inviting. Contact us to learn more or to schedule regular cleaning services.
For more tips on how to keep your commercial space cool, visit this article from the Department of Energy & Environment.
