While many businesses experience ebbs and flows in productivity as the seasons change, laundromat owners see a steady stream of business all year round, sometimes 24 hours a day. Your business doesn’t stop, which means you can’t afford for your heating or cooling system to slow you down either. You need to consider all of your energy options in both cold and warm weather months to run at maximum efficiency and we are here to help! We have some great tips that as the months go by, can guide your decision-making.
Warm Weather Energy Tips
- Schedule an AC System Tune-Up. Enlist an HVAC company that you trust to perform a tune-up on your central air conditioning system. This will ensure everything is running efficiently, especially as you approach the hot summer months.
- Reduce Humidity. Investing in a dehumidifier may be a good option if your laundromat is holding in any extra humidity. There may even be solutions that offer relief for the entire building.
- Raise Your Thermostat. While you want to keep your laundromat comfortable, a few degrees can make a huge difference in costs. Keeping your thermostat at a reasonable temperature will still offer relief from the heat but at a much lower price tag.
- Utilize Fans and Window Shades. Ceiling fans are a great option to cool rooms without adjusting the actual temperature. Window shades can additionally limit the amount of sun exposure your laundromat gets, which in turn keeps it cooler. There are a variety of shades on the market specifically tailored to customers looking for energy-efficient options.
- Shut off Idle Equipment and Lighting. Believe it or not, idle equipment and lighting can be enough to run up your energy bills. Be sure to turn off equipment when not in use or when experiencing downtime. It is also a good idea to invest in timers for your outdoor lighting.
- Keep Exterior Doors Closed. This is a good tip for both warm and cold weather months. Try to keep exterior doors closed as often as possible so the internal temperature does not fluctuate. Opening and closing doors requires your system to keep regulating the temperature, hence more energy usage.
Cold Weather Energy Tips
- Lower the Temperature in Your Laundromat. While it may seem like a good idea to keep your laundromat nice and toasty in the winter, setting your thermostat to 68 degrees could result in lower energy costs. According to the California Energy Commission, for every degree lower in the 60- to 70-degree range, you could save up to 5% on heating costs.
- Use Shades to Minimize Heat Loss. Using shades on your windows can prevent heat from escaping through cracks and crevices. If you have curtains, keep them closed at night, and during the day, open them on south-facing windows to allow heat from the sun.
- Prevent Heat Loss. Check your business for spots where air may be escaping such as window frames, doors, and where pipes enter/exit a wall. This includes under sinks and in other cabinetry. You can do this evaluation yourself or have an HVAC company complete an energy audit.
- Choose an Affordable Energy Provider. This may seem like a no-brainer, but take the time to select an energy provider that is not only affordable but also trustworthy. Doing the research ahead of time will save you money and headaches in the long run.
- Put Your Fans in “Reverse” Mode. Most fans have a “reverse” or “winter” mode. This option pushes the warm air down that tends to rise, keeping your laundromat warmer.
- Schedule HVAC Maintenance. Scheduling routine maintenance for your system ensures that your system is working properly and keeps you up to speed on any issues. A number of issues such as clogged air ducts, dirty air filters, and other parts not functioning properly can cause your energy costs to increase.
Running a business can have its challenges, but one of them should not be efficiently heating and cooling your building. Taking the time to assess your energy usage can be the first step in improving efficiency and lowering energy costs. With these helpful tips, we hope that you will find heating and cooling your laundromat a breeze!