HVAC optimisation: heating, ventilation and air conditioning efficiency for SMEs
Heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems are the largest source of energy use for most commercial and industrial buildings. If your systems are running inefficiently, this could lead to significant energy waste and unexpected system failure. By boosting HVAC efficiency, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can save energy and improve efficiency.
In this guide, we cover everything SMEs need to know about commercial HVAC systems. This includes what they are, their benefits, choosing the right equipment, implementing best practices for maintenance, and more. The team at Bionic is here to help you make the best decisions for your business and maximise your business energy savings.
Five-point summary of our HVAC optimisation guide
- Boosting HVAC efficiency can help toimprove the performance of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems to cut energy waste and lower costs.
- Efficient HVAC systems can help your business reduce its energy use and cut costs to make measurable energy savings.
- Enhance comfort and air quality with balanced ventilation and temperature control. This can help to create a healthier and more productive workplace.
- Extend system lifespan with regular maintenance. Addedsmart controls can reduce equipment wear and carbon emissions.
- Stay compliant and sustainable. Optimised systems meet evolving UK energy efficiency standards and support net zero goals.
What is HVAC efficiency?
Energy efficiency in HVAC systems is about maximising the performance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment. This involves optimising key components such as chillers, boilers and air conditioning units to ensure they operate as effectively as possible.
In simple terms, it means getting the right level of comfort, air quality and temperature without wasting energy. By reducing unnecessary energy use, efficient HVAC systems also help businesses lower operating costs and save money over time.
What does HVAC efficiency mean for SMEs?
Heating and cooling from chillers, boilers and air handling units can represent a significant proportion of energy usage. When a commercial HVAC system is poorly configured or outdated, it can drive up energy bills - a major concern for businesses of all sizes.
Improving HVAC performance can deliver measurable energy savings and improved indoor environments without major capital investment. Because optimised systems respond more accurately to real building demand, this means less wasted energy during low-occupancy periods and improved performance during peak conditions.
What are the benefits of HVAC optimisation for businesses?
Optimising your industrial or commercial HVAC system delivers multiple benefits beyond energy savings, from comfort to compliance.
Lower energy bills
One of the biggest advantages of a more efficient HVAC system in the workplace is the significant cut in energy bills through reduced runtime and smarter operation. By aligning system performance with actual demand, businesses can reduce energy usage and save money.
Improved indoor comfort and air quality
A well-optimised HVAC system balances ventilation, temperature and humidity to boost indoor comfort and air quality. This can boost productivity and reduce employee complaints.
Increased equipment lifespan
Fine‑tuned operation reduces wear and tear on commercial HVAC systems. This not only saves you money on frequent repairs and expensive replacements but also promotes a more sustainable approach by reducing waste.
Reduced carbon footprint and emissions
More efficient heating and cooling cuts energy waste, helping your business shrink its carbon footprint and move toward net‑zero goals.
Compliance with energy regulations
Optimised HVAC systems help ensure you meet current and upcoming energy efficiency standards and regulations. It also makes it easier for businesses to adapt to future policy changes without the need for costly, last-minute equipment replacements.
Choosing high-efficiency HVAC equipment
Selecting the right high‑efficiency HVAC units and components is a smart first step toward reducing energy use and long‑term operating costs. When evaluating high-efficiency HVAC equipment, businesses should consider:
- Performance ratings - the key to choosing the right HVAC equipment is understanding the efficiency ratings of SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating), EER (energy efficiency rating), and AFUE (annual fuel utilisation efficiency). Higher SEER, EER, and AFUE ratings mean more energy-efficient units. While these units might have a higher upfront cost, they can offer significant savings on energy bills in the long run.
- Variable speed technology - variable speed in an HVAC cooling system refers to the ability of the compressor and fan motor to adjust speed based on the heating and cooling needs of your home. This is the most efficient and quiet HVAC system.
- System suitability - getting the size of your HVAC system right is one of the most critical aspects of installation. The size and shape of your building directly impact the type of HVAC system required. We recommend seeking professional advice to ensure that your chosen system operates at peak performance without unnecessary waste.
It’s also essential to ensure that new equipment integrates with existing infrastructure, controls and building management systems.
Implementing best practices for HVAC maintenance
While high-efficiency equipment is important, ongoing maintenance is essential to protect performance over time.
Regular maintenance
Keeping your systems in good working order keeps systems running efficiently and prevents small problems from becoming costly failures. Routine operations checks, cleaning and servicing can ensure components such as filters, coils, fans and sensors operate properly.
Make a plan to improve your HVAC
Start with a clear optimisation plan to prioritise actions that deliver the biggest energy savings. An effective plan typically includes:
- Identify what changes are required, such as fossil fuel heating phase-outs or Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) [LR3] improvement targets
- Assess how your existing HVAC system works. Identify the components and control systems and check their condition.
- Engage building occupants to understand comfort issues and ensure controls are used effectively.
Change your behaviour
Behavioural changes are often the fastest and lowest-cost way to reduce HVAC energy use. According to a GOV.UK energy saving guide you can reduce your monthly heating bill by around 8% for every 1°C you reduce the average temperature[LR4] [AE5] . With this in mind, businesses can use the lowest comfortable temperature for people if they have a single thermostat for their premises.
Ensuring staff understand how thermostats and controls work can also cut energy waste quickly. To help make sure heating control aren’t constantly being highered and lowered, it’s worth automating thermostat controls or putting one person in charge of them.
Change your HVAC configuration
Adjusting system setpoints, airflow and operating schedules can significantly improve comfort and efficiency without the need for new equipment. Key configuration improvements include checking the HVAC programmer to ensure the heating and air conditioning operate only during building occupancy, fine-tuning temperature setpoints to avoid unnecessary heating or cooling and adjusting airflow to balance comfort and energy efficiency.
Upgrade your HVAC equipment
When systems are ageing or inefficient, investing in new industrial HVAC systems may be cheaper than ongoing maintenance costs. There is not really a set rule about when you will need to consider upgrading your system. But there are some signs you should look out for, such as the age of the system, how often it needs repairing, inconsistent temperatures and excessive noise. Energy bills increasing suddenly and without an explanation can also point to a problem with your commercial HVAC system.
Leveraging smart technology for enhanced control
Smart controls and automation play a vital role in improving the efficiency and performance of modern commercial HVAC systems, elevating how systems are monitored, managed and optimised.
Advanced digital controls enable real‑time adjustments, scheduling, and data‑driven optimisation based on live building data. This allows businesses to continuously optimise heating and cooling output in response to occupancy levels, weather conditions and operational demand, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining consistent comfort levels.
Smart thermostats, sensors and automated building management platforms also give business owners and managers greater visibility and control over heating and cooling systems. This technology makes it possible to detect inefficiencies early, identify energy waste and respond quickly to faults before they escalate into costly breakdowns. For example, businesses with smart meters can use half-hourly energy usage data to identify periods of unnecessary energy consumption, provided the data is available in a user-friendly format.
While half-hourly meter readings have been mainly available to energy-intensive businesses, this will now be rolled out to all homes and businesses as part of Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS).
Maximise your business energy savings with Bionic
At Bionic, we work with a panel of trusted energy suppliers and providers to find you the best possible rates for your next energy contract. Our tech-enabled experts will talk you through the options available to you to make sure you get the right deal for your business and send you new quotes when it’s time to renew. We’ve already helped thousands of businesses in the UK compare business energy, and we can do the same for your business.
HVAC optimisation for small businesses FAQs
Need to know more about HVAC optimisation at your business? Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, below:
What is HVAC optimisation for small businesses?
HVAC optimisation means fine-tuning heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to reduce energy use and improve performance.
How can UK SMEs benefit from HVAC efficiency?
It helps lower running costs, reduce emissions, and improve comfort across offices, retail spaces, or industrial premises.
How often should HVAC systems be serviced?
Professional servicing at least once a year ensures optimal performance and prevents expensive breakdowns.
What are signs an HVAC system needs upgrading?
Frequent repairs, higher bills, temperature inconsistencies, or excessive noise indicate it’s time to replace or upgrade your system.
Which HVAC upgrades offer the best return on investment?
Switching to variable speed units, high-SEER equipment, or smart controls typically yields strong energy savings for UK businesses.
How do smart controls improve HVAC efficiency?
Smart thermostats and sensors automatically adjust operation based on real-time occupancy and temperature data, reducing energy waste.
How can Warrington or North West businesses cut HVAC energy costs quickly?
Reducing thermostat temperatures by just 1°C can lower heating bills by about 8%, according to GOV.UK guidance.
Where can UK SMEs find expert HVAC and energy support?
Bionic helps small businesses across the UK compare energy tariffs and find efficient solutions tailored to their HVAC needs.
