Heating is usually the most significant energy cost in a workplace, accounting for up to 40% of energy use in a non-domestic building. Preventing heat loss through topping up insulation and blocking draughts can significantly reduce heating costs, so it’s a good place to start improving energy efficiency. Things to look out for include:
- When were heaters or boilers last serviced?
- Are portable heaters being used by staff?
- Are the heating and air conditioning operating at the same time in the same place?
- Are hot water tanks, boilers and pipes insulated?
- Have you installed heating reflectors?
- Do you have smart heating controls?
- Who is responsible for changing the heating times at different times of the year?
- Are windows open when the heating is on?
The longer you have your heating on and the higher the thermostat is set, the more expensive your fuel bills will be. Turning the temperature up high on your thermostat does not warm the room up quicker.
Follow these steps to make a quick difference:
- Make a calendar reminder to set timers to the right date and time, and remember to include daylight savings. Make sure you consider weekends and bank holidays when setting controls.
- Ensure thermostats are set correctly. Set the heating in offices to 19°C and cooling at 24°C or higher. The temperature in corridors, storerooms and areas of higher physical activity can be set lower than 19°C.
- Ensure air conditioning is turned off in meeting rooms when people leave. Air conditioning in IT server rooms should be set as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Ensure that radiators are free from obstructions.
- Check that employee desks aren’t too close or too far from radiators and air conditioning.