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4 Common Mistakes That Waste Energy in a Commercial Facility

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Running a business is a huge undertaking. You have a lot of tasks to juggle, departments to oversee, and affairs to manage. Among all this work, it’s easy to let something like the HVAC system that heats and cools your facility slip from your mind. As long as it seems to be working, creating the desirable indoor environment for your business needs, then you likely won’t focus on it. Dupont Heating & Air Conditioning is a trusted partner and professional company with extensive experience in the commercial HVAC industry, dedicated to supporting your business with reliable climate control solutions.

However, lack of attention to your commercial heating and air conditioning can be costing you money. Possibly a lot of money. Commercial HVAC systems are often complex, requiring specialized knowledge for proper care. Proactive maintenance offers significant advantages, including energy savings, increased system longevity, and improved efficiency. We’re going to look at four common mistakes that people make in commercial facilities that can lead to HVAC system waste.

As a company with access to advanced technology and industry resources, Dupont Heating & Air Conditioning delivers efficient and reliable commercial HVAC maintenance services to help you avoid these costly mistakes.

Introduction to Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is at the heart of effective commercial HVAC services, shaping both the bottom line and the environmental impact of commercial buildings. For commercial clients, optimizing HVAC systems is not just about comfort—it’s a strategic move to reduce energy costs, support sustainability goals, and ensure a productive environment for tenants and employees. At Dupont Heating & Air Conditioning, our licensed technicians are dedicated to delivering energy-efficient solutions for all types of commercial heating systems, from advanced rooftop units to robust boilers and specialized HVAC equipment.

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping commercial HVAC systems running at peak efficiency. By scheduling routine inspections and tune-ups, businesses can prevent costly breakdowns, extend the lifespan of their equipment, and maintain consistent, reliable performance. Energy-efficient upgrades—such as installing high-efficiency models or integrating smart controls—can further drive down operational costs and deliver substantial energy savings over time.

Our team works closely with commercial clients to develop tailored solutions that address the unique needs of each facility. Whether you’re looking to enhance the efficiency of your current system or planning a comprehensive upgrade, investing in proactive HVAC maintenance and modern technologies ensures your building remains comfortable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible.

1. Regular HVAC Maintenance Prevents Major Energy Waste

The most important step to take to reduce energy waste with your heating, cooling, and ventilation system is to regularly schedule commercial HVAC maintenance. Regular cleaning, especially of condenser and evaporator coils, is a key part of this process and can improve system efficiency by up to 30%. For example, in spring you should always have commercial AC maintenance in Toronto, ON to ensure your cooling equipment will function with minimal energy waste.

Maintenance also helps prevent breakdowns, unnecessary repairs, and a shortened system life. Qualified technicians perform preventative maintenance to identify small issues before they develop into expensive repairs. Regular maintenance can extend equipment lifespan by 5+ years, resulting in a total lifespan of 15–20 years, and improves air quality by preventing the buildup of mold, mildew, and bacteria. If you don’t have a maintenance plan in place, we recommend you call us today to get one set up. A maintenance plan will ensure your facility always receives maintenance when it needs it, and customized maintenance programs are available to ensure optimal system performance.

2. Use Programmable Thermostats to Control Energy Costs

Newer commercial buildings will have programmable thermostats in place. However, people often forget to use them and treat them like standard thermostats that they turn up and down as needed, or which they just leave at one setting all the time.

Advanced climate control technologies, such as smart thermostats and building automation systems, can significantly enhance occupant comfort in commercial spaces.

Make the effort to learn how to program the thermostat so you eliminate wasteful operation. Even better, call us to upgrade your HVAC system with smart thermostats and building automation systems that take over the job of cutting energy costs for you. Our customized HVAC solutions and professional installation ensure that your system is tailored to meet the unique needs of your commercial property, providing optimal performance and reliability.

3. Address HVAC Repairs Promptly to Avoid Efficiency Loss

With a busy schedule, you might shrug off a seemingly small problem with the HVAC system as something that either doesn’t need attention or which you’ll get to “later.” Procrastination does nobody any good in this situation: when a commercial HVAC system is malfunctioning, even if it’s outwardly not affecting its cooling or heating performance, it will begin to drain more power than necessary. Emergency HVAC services are available 24/7 to address urgent issues that can disrupt business operations and ensure continuous comfort for your customers and employees.

The issue will only worsen over time, raising costs higher and eventually leading to a more catastrophic system failure. Fast response times are crucial—prompt repairs by licensed technicians help maintain a comfortable environment for employees and customers, minimizing downtime and disruptions to your operations. Emergency HVAC services can include repairs, replacements, and maintenance of various HVAC systems, and prompt service prevents loss of business and ensures customer satisfaction. Many HVAC companies in Toronto offer same-day service and fast response times for commercial HVAC needs. Our technicians are available 24/7 to help with those repairs, so you have no reason to wait. 

4. Upgrade Outdated Systems to Maximize Commercial Energy Efficiency

Replacing an old HVAC system, such as a rooftop unit, is something that business owners often delay doing because of the expense and time involved. However, the advantages of timely replacement include improved energy efficiency, increased longevity, and enhanced overall performance. Replacement often involves upgrading or installing new units, and professional installation ensures compliance with Toronto building codes and environmental regulations. It will be much more expensive to leave an outdated HVAC unit in place, especially one that needs regular repairs. Older systems are major energy drains and they can also contribute to poor indoor air quality in a facility. Well-maintained systems can reduce energy costs by up to 30%, and regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of HVAC equipment, reducing the need for costly replacements. 

If you have any questions about ways to improve your facility’s energy efficiency or whether you need to upgrade equipment, we’re glad to work with you.

Optimizing Rooftop Units

Rooftop units are a cornerstone of climate control in many commercial buildings, providing essential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services to keep occupants comfortable year-round. To ensure these systems deliver optimal climate control and operate efficiently, regular maintenance is a must. This includes thorough cleaning, detailed inspections, and timely repairs—all services expertly handled by our skilled technicians at Advantage Airtech.

By prioritizing the upkeep of rooftop units, property managers and facility operators can significantly reduce energy costs and improve indoor air quality. Upgrading to energy-efficient rooftop units or integrating advanced control systems can further enhance performance, delivering greater energy savings and more precise temperature management throughout your facility. Our team leverages the latest technologies to help commercial clients in the Greater Toronto Area achieve peak efficiency and long-term reliability from their HVAC systems.

We understand that every commercial building has unique requirements, which is why we offer customized maintenance programs designed to keep your rooftop units running smoothly and efficiently. With our expertise and commitment to quality, you can trust us to provide solutions that not only lower operational costs but also support the comfort and well-being of your tenants and staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are common mistakes that cause energy waste in commercial facilities?
Answer: Common mistakes include skipping routine HVAC maintenance, using outdated equipment, ignoring small repair issues, and running systems when spaces are unoccupied. These issues force systems to work harder than necessary, increasing energy consumption and operating costs.

Question: How does lack of regular HVAC maintenance waste energy?
Answer: Without regular maintenance, components like filters, coils, and fans become dirty or worn. This educes airflow and efficiency, causing the system to use more energy to maintain comfort and increasing the risk of breakdowns and higher utility bills.

Question: Why is improper temperature control an energy-wasting problem?
Answer: Improper temperature control leads to heating or cooling spaces more than needed, especially during off-hours. Without scheduling or automation, HVAC systems may run continuously, wasting energy in areas that are not actively used.

Question: How do delayed repairs contribute to higher energy usage?
Answer: Small issues such as refrigerant leaks, faulty sensors, or worn parts reduce system efficiency. When repairs are delayed, the HVAC system compensates by running longer or harder, which increases energy use and accelerates equipment wear.

Question: Why do older HVAC systems waste more energy?
Answer: Older systems lack modern efficiency technology and controls. As they age, performance declines and energy use increases. Replacing outdated equipment can significantly reduce energy waste while improving comfort and reliability.

Advantage Airtech Commercial Ltd. is the Double “A” Name with the Triple “A” Rating. Arrange for all your commercial and industrial HVAC needs in the Greater Toronto Area with us.

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