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Is Your Cooling System Ready for Summer?

By taking action now, you'll save money and stay cool during the hot summer months.

Is Your Cooling System Ready for Summer?

Air conditioning can take up a big chunk of your summer operating budget. Take these steps to optimize system performance and save money.

Published: 3/5/2024 8:17:19 PM

By taking action now, you'll save money and stay cool during the hot summer months.

Rooftop air conditioning units

Air conditioning takes a big chunk out of your summer operating budget, accounting for nearly 15% of total annual electricity use in a typical commercial building. By taking steps to ensure that your cooling system and your facility are operating at peak efficiency, you'll stay cool and realize some hot savings.

Optimizing system performance

Maintenance, combined with small upgrades, will help ensure that your cooling system is ready to handle the hot, humid days of summer.

Maintain your system. Winter can be hard on rooftop air conditioning units and other outdoor system components. Have your air conditioning system cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional before the start of the cooling season. Check air filters monthly and replace them if needed.

Seal ducts. Leaky duct systems can result in energy losses of 15% to 30%, increasing cooling costs and reducing comfort. Test ductwork with fan pressure or flow meters to identify the extent of leakage. Seal accessible ducts with mastic tape. Hire a qualified contractor if you suspect a problem.

Install economizers. Economizers bring in outside air to provide free cooling. Connected to the outdoors, an economizer is comprised of a sensor and a damper. When outdoor temperature and humidity levels are right, the damper opens and brings in outside air. Economizers are most effective in moderate climates.

Upgrade with heat pumps

If your cooling system is more than 15 years old or in need of repair, now is the perfect time to consider upgrading to high-efficiency geothermal or air-source heat pumps. Heat pumps move heat inside or outside of buildings to provide energy-efficient, year-round comfort.

Since heat pumps move heat rather than create it (as in traditional fossil-fueled heating systems) they can offer efficiencies of up to 300% or more. Heat pumps also offer excellent humidity control and produce no onsite emissions, making your place of business more comfortable and healthier.

Around your facility

Cooling efficiency doesn't stop at the air vents. There are plenty of things you can do around your facility to save energy this summer.

Adjust temperatures. Use building automation controls to adjust indoor temperatures to accommodate your hours of operation or occupancy schedule. This is the simplest and most cost-effective method for controlling cooling costs.

Circulate the air. Circulating air fans reduce the need for air conditioning by making people feel cooler. Large ceiling fans are particularly effective in circulating air throughout a space. In some cases, using a ceiling fan allows you to raise the thermostat four degrees with no loss in comfort.

Weatherize. Air leaks reduce the effectiveness of your cooling system, costing you money. Check for air leaks around doors and windows and seal with caulking or weatherstripping. Make sure your building is insulated according to levels recommended in ASHRAE 90.1: Energy Standard for Buildings or your local energy code.

With proper maintenance and timely upgrades, you can improve cooling system efficiency, save money and enhance the comfort of your facility.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • About Your Cooperative
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • Our History
    • Board of Directors
      • Board of Directors
      • Map Of Districts
    • By-Laws & Articles of Incorporation
    • Our Mission, Vision, and Values
    • The Seven Cooperative Principles
    • BCREA Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Service Area Map
    • Member Handbook
  • Customer Service
    • Customer Service
    • Billing
    • Billing Statement Explained
    • Payment Options
    • Capital Credits
    • Unclaimed Property
    • Online Account Usage Graphs
  • Resources
    • Resources
    • Energy Assistance
    • Newsletters
    • MN Cold Weather Rules
    • Outage Texting Registration
    • Estimating Energy Use & Cost
    • Touchstone Energy Brochures
    • Safety
      • Safety
      • MREA Safety Articles
    • Storm Center/Outage Map
    • Webpage Links
  • Programs & Services
    • Distributed Energy Resources
    • Load Management Programs
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Heartland Security
    • Operation Round Up®
      • Operation Round Up®
      • Operation Round Up® Scholarships
    • Rebates
    • TV Services
      • TV Services
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    • LED Yard Lights
    • Youth Tour
  • Forms
    • ACH Authorization Form
    • Agricultural Exemption Form ST3
    • CTV Enrollment Form
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    • Life Support Program Form
    • Operation Round-Up Form
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    • Start Service
    • Stop Service
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  • Contact Us
You inspire us to find solutions, so we can provide the energy and savings you need. Visit Touchstoneenergy.com to learn more.
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Brown County Rural Electric
24386 State Hwy 4
PO Box 529
Sleepy Eye, MN 56085
(800) 658-2368
(507) 794-3331

 

 

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To safely provide our members with electric service at the lowest possible cost, consistent with sound business practices.

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Your Cooperative
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • Our History
    • Board of Directors
      • Map Of Districts
    • By-Laws & Articles of Incorporation
    • Our Mission, Vision, and Values
    • The Seven Cooperative Principles
    • BCREA Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Service Area Map
    • Member Handbook
  • Customer Service
    • Billing
    • Billing Statement Explained
    • Payment Options
    • Capital Credits
    • Unclaimed Property
    • Online Account Usage Graphs
  • Resources
    • Energy Assistance
    • Newsletters
    • MN Cold Weather Rules
    • Outage Texting Registration
    • Estimating Energy Use & Cost
    • Touchstone Energy Brochures
    • Safety
      • MREA Safety Articles
    • Storm Center/Outage Map
    • Webpage Links
  • Programs & Services
    • Distributed Energy Resources
    • Load Management Programs
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Heartland Security
    • Operation Round Up®
      • Operation Round Up® Scholarships
    • Rebates
    • TV Services
      • FCC Applications
    • LED Yard Lights
    • Youth Tour
  • Forms
    • ACH Authorization Form
    • Agricultural Exemption Form ST3
    • CTV Enrollment Form
    • Cold Weather Form
    • Credit/Debit Card Authorization Form
    • LED Yard Light Rental Program
    • Life Support Program Form
    • Operation Round-Up Form
    • Residential Heat Exemption Form
    • Start Service
    • Stop Service
    • Update My Information
    • Wellspring Sign-Up
    • Donation Form
  • Contact Us