As temperatures rise in the summer, cooling costs quickly become one of the largest contributors to an electric bill. Whether you manage a manufacturing facility, healthcare campus, school, office building, or retail location, small adjustments to your thermostat settings can lead to meaningful savings without sacrificing occupant comfort.
Combined with available incentives from your utility, businesses have an opportunity to reduce both immediate operating expenses and long-term energy consumption.
Why Summer Cooling Costs Increase
Air conditioning systems work harder as outdoor temperatures climb. During prolonged heat waves, cooling equipment often runs continuously throughout the day, increasing electricity usage during periods when energy prices are also at their highest.
Higher cooling demand can impact several components of your electric bill, including:
- Energy consumption (kWh)
- Demand charges (kW)
- Future capacity costs based on peak system usage
- Overall operating expenses
Developing a cooling strategy before the hottest months arrive can help businesses avoid unnecessary costs.
The Ideal Thermostat Settings
While every building has different operating requirements, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping cooling temperatures around 78°F when buildings are occupied whenever practical.
For commercial facilities, consider these best practices:
- Maintain occupied spaces between 74°F and 78°F depending on building use.
- Increase temperatures by 5-8 degrees during evenings, weekends, or unoccupied periods.
- Program schedules around business hours instead of manually adjusting thermostats.
- Avoid setting temperatures significantly lower than needed—air conditioners cool at the same rate regardless of the thermostat setting, so lowering it to 68°F won’t cool the building faster.
Even a 1-2 degree increase during occupied hours can noticeably reduce cooling costs over an entire summer.
Upgrade to Smart Thermostats and Building Controls
Manual thermostat adjustments are often inconsistent. Smart thermostats and building automation systems automatically optimize temperatures based on occupancy schedules, weather conditions, and building usage.
Some benefits on smart thermostats and controls include:
- Lower cooling costs
- Reduced peak electric demand
- Improved occupant comfort
- Better controls on energy usage
- Remote monitoring and adjusting
For larger facilities, integrating HVAC controls with a building automation system can generate even greater savings. May utility companies over added rebates and incentives on installing smart thermostats and building controls.
Don’t Forget HVAC Maintenance
A well-maintained HVAC system operates more efficiently and uses less electricity.
Before peak summer temperatures arrive, businesses should:
- Replace air filters regularly.
- Clean condenser and evaporator coils.
- Check refrigerant levels.
- Inspect ductwork for leaks.
- Verify thermostat calibration.
- Schedule preventative maintenance.
Routine maintenance extends equipment life while helping reduce unexpected breakdowns during the hottest days of the year.
Take Advantage of Energy Efficiency Incentives
If your business is served by Ameren Illinois, Comed or Mid-American you may qualify for financial incentives that reduce the cost of energy-efficient HVAC improvements.
Depending on the project, these utility companies may offer incentives for:
- Smart thermostats
- HVAC equipment upgrades
- Variable frequency drives (VFDs)
- Building automation and controls
- High-efficiency rooftop units
- HVAC tune-ups
These incentives not only put money back in your pocket but can help improve energy costs by being more efficient. An incentive can significantly shorten project payback periods and improve your return on investment.
Start Planning Before Peak Summer Demand
The best time to prepare for summer heat is before your building experiences its highest electricity usage.
Simple operational changes like adjusting thermostat schedules, combined with strategic equipment upgrades and available utility incentives, can produce substantial energy savings throughout the cooling season.
If you’re ready to lower your facility’s energy costs, QFB Energy can help you evaluate your current operations, uncover available incentives, and build a customized energy strategy that supports your business goals.
Contact QFB Energy today to schedule a no-obligation energy consultation and discover how smarter cooling strategies can lower your electric supply and delivery costs.
