Heat & Cool Where Necessary

Affordability

Reducing the amount of energy used to heat or cool parts of your building that are either unused or used only for short periods is an easy and affordable way to control energy costs.

What you need to know

• Reduce heating and cooling in spaces used only for short periods. If possible, reduce temperature or shut off heating in vestibules, stairwells, lobbies and unused spaces, such as storerooms or vacant rooms.
• To reduce cooling energy, shut off all unnecessary lights, cooking equipment and office equipment. Add window blinds on west facing windows for use in summer to reduce the heat gain from sunlight.
• When the building is unoccupied, turn off exhaust fans in washrooms and kitchens with a timer. Also shut off outdoor air dampers and the supply air fan at the end of occupancy.

FAQ

Most of our employees and visitors use the elevator so our stairwells are seldom used. Can we turn off heating and cooling in these areas?
Yes. Reducing the temperature or shutting off heating in vestibules, stairwells, lobbies and other unused spaces is a great way to reduce energy spending.

Occasionally an employee will come into the building on a weekend. Can we still shut off fans in the washrooms and kitchen?
Educate your employees about your energy management plan to ensure they understand and support your goals for energy savings. They will then know what to expect on weekends or other times when the building is usually unoccupied.