Heating and Cooling

Heating and cooling represent the largest area of potential energy savings for your business. By following just a few of these suggestions, you can significantly reduce your business’ energy bill without sacrificing the comfort of your employees and customers.

• During the summer months, set your thermostat at 79 degrees or higher. For every degree warmer you'll save about 2 percent on the air conditioning part of your electric bill.   
• Cooling equipment failures can put you out of business while you're waiting for repairs or replacements. If your air conditioning unit is over 10 years old, consider replacing it.   
• If you are purchasing a 5-ton or smaller air conditioning unit, a 12 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is recommended. A 10.5 EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) is recommended for units over 5 tons. These more efficient units can reduce cooling energy demand and energy use by up to 50 percent.   
• Have your heating and cooling units serviced by a licensed contractor. This service should include making sure the thermostats are reading properly. If a thermostat setting is 79 degrees but the real temperature is 75 degrees, the cooling units are running much more than necessary. Call the APS Energy Answer Line at (602) 371-3636 in the Phoenix area, or (888) 890-9730 for a referral to an APS Qualified Contractor who can service your system.   
• If there are hot spots in your building, have a service technician test the air conditioning ducts for leaks or blockage.   
• Use fans to circulate air. This will make your employees and customers feel cooler at a higher temperature setting.   
• When your building is unoccupied, adjust the heating and cooling system's temperature accordingly.   
• Place a locking device over thermostats to keep employees from adjusting the temperature.   
• Don't open exterior doors and windows for fresh air when your heat pump or air conditioning is running.

Do you have practical electricity-saving suggestions not listed in this section? Let us know. Send us your energy efficiency tips. We value your feedback!

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