1. HVAC Insulation

The ducts through the walls and ceilings of your building are often the site of energy loss. Heat exchange can occur through the duct walls so that heat is lost before it goes to the areas where you want it. Gaps in the ducts can also lead to heat loss and higher energy costs.

Gap Repair

Gaps and damages in the duct system need fixing before applying insulation. First, the ducts need inspection, then any gaps will need sealing with heat-resistant HVAC tape or a mastic. If gaps exist in areas that aren't easily reachable for repairs, then inject a spray sealant into the duct system to coat and seal any holes and gaps.

Insulating

The right insulation for the duct is a must. Ductwork that carries cold air, for example, requires a vapor barrier on the exterior to guard against condensation. The insulation goes around the duct and then the seams are sealed with HVAC tape, thus reducing the heat loss from the ducts.

2. Pipe Insulation

Hot and cold water pipes can transfer temperature to the air space in the walls, which can then transfer to the rest of the building. Higher energy usage results when more energy is expended to ensure the water is still hot by the time it comes out of the tap.

Heater

If your building's water heater loses heat through its walls, then it has to run more often to keep the water inside at a stable temperature. Many commercial buildings have multiple hot water heaters, often one or more per floor. This many poorly insulated heaters can result in very high energy bills. Install a water heater blanket on each appliance to prevent any more unnecessary energy loss.

Pipes

The only pipes that usually require insulation are the water supply lines that run through exterior walls or unheated areas like crawl spaces. To solve the problem, wrap and tape pipe insulation into place around each of these pipes.

If winter freezes are a concern in your area, you may also need to install heat tape beneath the pipe insulation. This tape turns on to produce moderate heat when temperatures near the pipe reach a minimum threshold, thus preventing the water in the pipes from freezing and causing a rupture.

3. Compartment Insulation

Think of compartment insulation as insulating the interior around rooms where temperature fluctuations are normal. Areas that open to the outside are the most common culprit, but the drop ceilings common in many office buildings can also be a problem when they are below an unheated area.

Lobbies and Entries

The entrances into your building are a major conduit for energy loss. Double doors can help mitigate some of the energy loss, but increased insulation between the lobby around the entrance and the rest of the building is necessary to ensure the best energy efficiency in the area. Although lobby walls are interior walls, you may want to insulate them as though they are exterior walls.

Ceilings

Drop ceilings are often in a commercial building because they provide easy access to the pipes and electrical conduit that runs above them. This space isn't a problem on lower floors, but heat loss can occur on the top floor between the space and the roof above. Increase the insulation behind drop ceilings on top floors to solve the problem.

Contact us to find out more about the insulation options available for your business.