The fascinating thing about Maine’s skyline is that it keeps rising higher and higher. While that’s laudable for the buildings, we don’t want the same for our building energy bills. Easier said than done, right? Several reasons make this inevitable: some extraneous, like the price hike in energy rates; some intrinsic. Drafty walls, uninsulated attics, or leaky roofs will work your HVAC system harder to keep your tenants comfortable.
The energy costs from the extra work add up really fast, especially during the cool winters and humid summers. The good news is, you don’t need to cough up a massive budget or a complete renovation to fix it. With smart insulation upgrades, you can significantly reduce energy costs without shutting down the building. Here’s how to go about it.
Heat loss happens year-round.
Most business owners think insulation is suitable only for winter. They often overlook that poor insulation lets hot air from the outside in, making the AC run harder for longer. During the winter, warm indoor air escapes through gaps in the walls, ceilings, and windows; either way, with poor insulation, you’re paying to cool or heat the outdoors. With a well-insulated building, you hold onto your conditioned air. The system should be responsible for cycling; this, by design, extends the duration of the conditioned air and reduces power consumption.
Common energy leaks in Maine commercial buildings
Energy leaks can happen in most buildings. For buildings built before the 1990s, there’s little to no insulation in key areas. Trademarks of an older building. However, newer buildings have gaps due to rushed work or outdated standards. Check for:
- Uninsulated crawl spaces or basements
- Thin or missing attic insulation
- Gaps around pipes, ducts, and electrical conduits
- Metal roofs or concrete block walls with no thermal barrier
- Loading docks, garage doors, or overhead doors that let out air
Don’t look at any of these. A small leak can set you back as much as a window left open all winter long.
Types of insulation that work for commercial spaces
Knowing the type of insulation that best suits your space is key to cost savings. Because not all insulation is the same. Fiberglass batts are affordable, but they leave gaps in irregular spaces. Spray foam expands to fill cracks, but despite its superior air-sealing capabilities, it costs a lot upfront. Rigid foam boards offer a high R-value per inch and perform well on exterior walls or under metal roofing. And then you have blanket insulation, which is great for large open ceiling areas. What’s best for your building type? It depends on the climate, your building type, and your budget.
ROI comes faster than you think
Businesses in Maine have reported quick ROI on their insulation investments. Some testify to returns in 2-4 years from lower utility bills alone. Others see rebates from Efficiency Maine or Federal Tax deductions for energy-efficient upgrades. And let’s forget those sweet hidden savings your maintenance department appreciates – fewer HVAC repairs, improved air quality, and more consistent temperatures that keep your staff focused and, best of all, your customers comfortable in your space.
Work around your schedule.
Commercial insulation does not necessarily mean downtime at the building. You could request after-hours services to avoid closing the business during peak periods. Some solutions, like blown-in wall insulation or attic blanket installation, can be easily done through minor access points, so you don’t have to deal with a huge mess.
Upgrade Your Insulation with Anderson Insulation of Maine
You don’t earn money due to energy losses. Anderson Insulation of Maine is your sure fix for commercial insulation services for Maine businesses. There’s an option for every budget. From small office retrofits to complete industrial retrofits. Our team will assess the amount of energy being lost and recommend a suitable solution. Contact us and we can help you insulate better, smarter, quicker.