Rising Energy Costs in Philippine Workspaces
Are you noticing that your electric bill at your office keeps going up every month? You’re not by yourself. Across Metro Manila and the Philippines in general, thousands of pesos are wasted each month on inefficient commercial air conditioning systems by many businesses.
Due to the warm climate in tropical regions, HVAC systems account for 56% of a building’s energy usage. This happens as the equipment gets older, filters become clogged and stuck, thermostats become unreliable, and cool air stops being produced well enough to meet demand, thereby wasting energy and money.
Businesses need to understand the impact that their A/C systems have on energy usage in order to effectively control their energy usage. For that reason, an energy audit by a trained professional is essential.
What Is an Energy Audit?
- A detailed review of the building’s energy consumption is called an Energy Audit. An Energy Audit is a comprehensive analysis of a Facility’s Energy Consumption that can be compared to a Health Check-Up for the facility’s systems. Certified Auditors evaluate all factors that impact Energy Consumption, which include:
- HVAC Unit type and configuration
- Thermostats and Temperature Settings
- Airflow and Ductwork
- Lighting and Insulation
- Equipment Performance.
Tools such as thermal imaging, IoT sensors, and data logging are modern tools used in audits, which create a comprehensive understanding of energy usage.
The audit process culminates in a conclusive report that is based purely on data and identifies areas where energy is being wasted. These reports give consumers the confidence to make informed decisions about how to proceed with reducing their energy waste.
Common AC Inefficiencies Identified During Energy Audits
Energy audits often uncover “hidden” problems that silently inflate your bill. Below are common issues in Philippine commercial buildings:
1. Aging or Inefficient Equipment
Old AC units can consume 30–40% more power than newer models. A 10-year-old split-type or centralized system may already be underperforming.
2. Poor Maintenance Practices
Dirty filters, clogged coils, and neglected servicing force the system to work harder, raising energy use.
3. Incorrect Thermostat Settings
Varying comfort preferences among employees often lead to overcooling. A difference of 1–2°C can already impact consumption significantly.
4. Air Leaks and Poor Insulation
Leaks in ducting and gaps in insulation cause cool air to escape, reducing system efficiency.
5. Wrong System Sizing
Oversized systems short cycle; undersized systems run nonstop, both resulting in wasted energy.
A professional energy audit exposes these inefficiencies, helping companies take immediate action.
Case Study: How One Makati Office Cut 35% of Energy Costs
A mid-sized office in Makati underwent a full audit of its commercial air conditioning system. The audit revealed:
- Central AC operating at only 65% efficiency
- Thermostats are set 3°C too low
- Multiple ducting air leaks
- Outdated insulation
Solutions Implemented
- Installed a new high-efficiency commercial AC with smart controls
- Corrected thermostat settings and standardized schedules
- Conducted duct sealing and insulation upgrades
- Adopted a quarterly preventive maintenance program
Results
- 35% reduction in monthly energy costs
- Savings of ₱45,000 per month for a 500 sqm facility
- ROI achieved in 18 months
Various other industries, including BPOs, retailing, hospitalizations, and/or clinics, have experienced energy savings in the range of 25%-40% from implemented energy management strategies and programs.
Why Regular HVAC Maintenance Is Crucial for Long-Term Savings
By performing preventative maintenance on your cooling systems, you can reduce energy waste dramatically. Some of the benefits you will receive from preventative maintenance are:
- Longer Life for Your Cooling System
- Fewer Breakdowns and Costly Repair Expenses
- Ideal Indoor Comfort & Productive Workforce
- Less Monthly Energy Usage
- Decreased Chances of Emergency Failures
You can do simple things as part of your preventative maintenance, such as replacing filters, cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, calibrating the system, and replacing worn parts that will keep small problems from becoming large financial problems.
Smart Businesses now include their preventative maintenance in their annual budgets to ensure that their cooling operations remain efficient and stable.
Take Action Now and Start Saving
Stop watching your money disappear into inefficient systems for another month. Professional energy audits give you the insight you need to make educated decisions about energy management.
The team here at Nativtechnik specializes in enterprise-wide solutions for businesses in the Philippines. We identify opportunities and quantify potential savings, and we implement solutions that deliver results. Our commercial air conditioning specialization ensures you get the absolute most value for every peso that you spend on cooling.
Call us at +63 917 631 0032 or email wecare@nativtechniks.com to find out more about our HVAC products and request a site audit today!
Start your journey to savings today. Your bottom line will appreciate it.
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