Winter energy costs can rise quickly in commercial facilities, especially when systems run longer to maintain comfort. The good news is that improving efficiency doesn’t always require major upgrades or large capital investments. Strategic operational adjustments can significantly reduce energy waste while keeping buildings comfortable, compliant, and productive throughout the colder months.
A winter energy tune-up focuses on maximizing performance from existing systems. That’s where experienced facility partners make a real difference.
Fine-Tune Temperature Setpoints for Winter Operation
One of the most effective low-cost adjustments is to review and refine temperature setpoints. Over time, setpoints often drift higher than necessary or become inconsistent across zones. Even small misalignments can force heating equipment to run longer than needed.
Ensuring setpoints align with actual occupancy levels helps reduce unnecessary runtime while maintaining comfort. Aligned heating schedules also support more predictable system performance during cold weather.
Optimize Occupancy Schedules
Many facilities operate on reduced or variable schedules during the winter months. However, HVAC systems are often left running on outdated time programs that don’t reflect actual building usage.
Adjusting occupancy schedules allows systems to scale back heating during unoccupied hours without sacrificing comfort when spaces are in use. This simple operational review can reduce energy use immediately and help equipment avoid unnecessary strain.
Review and Adjust Ventilation Rates
Ventilation is essential for indoor air quality, but excessive outdoor air intake during winter can increase heating demand. Reviewing ventilation rates ensures systems meet requirements without over-ventilating spaces when conditions don’t require it.
Balanced ventilation supports comfort, protects indoor air quality, and reduces the energy required to condition cold outside air. Proper adjustments also help maintain compliance with applicable codes and standards.
Verify Economizer Operation
Economizers are designed to improve efficiency, but only when they’re functioning properly. During winter, malfunctioning or improperly set economizers can introduce excess cold air, forcing heating systems to compensate.
Verifying economizer operation ensures that dampers, sensors, and controls are functioning as intended. Proper operation prevents unnecessary heating load and helps systems respond appropriately to outdoor conditions.
Check Control Sequences and System Coordination
Operational inefficiencies often stem from systems working against each other. Heating and ventilation components should be reviewed to ensure that sequences are coordinated and responsive to winter conditions.
Fine-tuning the control logic helps eliminate simultaneous heating and cooling, reduces cycling, and improves overall system stability. These adjustments improve comfort and reduce energy waste without equipment replacement.
Maintain Comfort While Protecting Equipment
Operational tweaks don’t just reduce energy use; they also protect system components. Reduced runtime, smoother operation, and fewer abrupt cycles help minimize wear during peak winter demand.
This proactive approach supports reliability and reduces the likelihood of unexpected service interruptions during cold weather, when system availability matters most.
Why Professional Support Matters
While these adjustments don’t require major capital investment, they do benefit from professional expertise. Experienced technicians understand how systems interact and how changes affect comfort, safety, and compliance.
Partnering with professionals ensures that adjustments are implemented correctly and documented appropriately—protecting both occupants and facility operations.
Optimize Winter Performance with Althoff Industries, Inc.
Smart operational changes can deliver meaningful energy savings without major investment. Althoff Industries, Inc. works with facility managers to identify, implement, and support winter energy tune-ups that reduce waste while maintaining comfort and compliance.
Contact Althoff Industries, Inc. today to explore operational strategies that keep your facility efficient all winter long. Challenges accepted!