Watch your thermostat!
This has already been mentioned in our Step 7 thermostat section, but it can’t be stressed enough.
Many workplaces set systems to a constant 20–24°C regardless of the weather and what people are wearing. However, your thermostat should be adjusted according to the season.
Summer settings: In summer your thermostat should be set to 24–27°C. If you set it at 27°C, this means your cooling will kick in only when the temperature reaches above 27°C. If that’s too warm for your premises, adjust it down till you get a temperature that maximises staff comfort and energy savings.
Winter settings: In winter your thermostat should be set to 18–20°C. If you set it at 18°C, your heating will switch on when the temperature goes down below 18°C.
A one-degree difference on your thermostat setting can increase your heating or cooling bills by up to 10%. So if you’re a few degrees over, you can be paying far more than necessary for your heating and cooling needs.
More information: For details on the important role that thermostats play in reducing your HVAC costs – see Step 7: ‘Watch your thermostat’.
Busting the thermostat myth
Turning down the thermostat as low as it can go will not speed up the cooling of your premises.
Similarly, when you come in from the cold, don’t set the thermostat really high in the hope that it quickly warms up your workplace.
Doing this runs the risk of overcooling or overheating your premises. That just ends up increasing your energy bill.
The solution is simple. Just set the thermostat at the temperature you want it to get to and leave it there.