Running a business isn’t easy – to say the least. Sometimes, it feels as though your attention is being pulled in a thousand different directions. With so many responsibilities competing for limited time and energy, it’s common for Boston homeowners to neglect their HVAC systems. Although these systems are often seen as a necessary evil, they can actually have a tangible impact on your business. Here’s how.
HVAC costs can affect the bottom line
No matter what kind of business you’re running, you’re always trying to optimize profits while mitigating expenses. Believe it or not, all Boston homeowners have potential cost savings hiding in plain sight. It’s your HVAC system! According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, heating and cooling systems comprise up to 40% of the energy usage of commercial buildings. That represents a considerable portion of what you’re paying to keep your business up and running. Of course, you’re not going to turn off the AC or heating, but you can save significantly by switching to a more capable system. Modern HVAC systems are more energy-efficient and cheaper to run than older units which translates into a healthier bottom line for your business.
There’s a correlation between comfort and productivity
Boosting employee productivity is one of the greatest drivers of success when running a business. There are a number of factors impacting the efficiency of your team, but you probably didn’t know temperature control was one of those elements. Research on the subject has concluded that people are more productive when they’re comfortable, specifically when it comes to temperature.
For example, one study found that worker productivity suffered a 1.8-2.2% decrease for every degree a room reached above 77-degrees Fahrenheit. Another study with 70,000 subjects saw output drop 3% for every degree above the average “room temperature.” You’re probably already doing the math in your head about your business’s potential loss in revenue that might result from an uncomfortable team. So, this begs the question…
What is the proper temperature for an office?
There’s a perennial battle fought in every office over the best temperature setting for the thermostat. As a business owner, you have to strike the right balance to make sure everyone is comfortable enough to remain productive. Although it varies between personal preferences, OSHA recommends keeping the office temperature around 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit. The aforementioned studies found a similar “sweet spot” for productivity within the same range. If you install a smart thermostat, you can automatically set temperatures to put a permanent end to the temperature battle in the workplace.
HVAC systems impact the health of your employees
Over the past few years, employee safety and health have received increasing attention as businesses are encouraged to place a greater emphasis on the well-being of their teams. Unless you’re in an industry with evident hazards, you might not think there’s anything within your business affecting the health of your employees. Unfortunately, that’s not really the case.
HVAC systems actually play a major role in the overall health of you and your employees. Contrary to popular belief, harmful pollutants are up to 5 times more concentrated indoors than outside. Since people tend to spend 90% of their time indoors (a considerable amount of which is at work), the quality of indoor air has a direct effect on their health.
HVAC systems are an effective way to remove some of these potentially harmful contaminants. As air is circulated through advanced HVAC units, high-quality filters can capture the overwhelming majority of pollutants so employees can breathe clean, fresh air. If you’re a Boston business owner looking to optimize your commercial HVAC system, the experts at Boston Standard Plumbing can help. For over a decade, we’ve helped local companies optimize the energy efficiency, savings, and comfort of their places of business. We’d be honored to help you next. Feel free to book an appointment with us today to get started.
