The seasonal approach to business energy management

Energy management is not a one-size-fits-all approach throughout the year. Each season brings challenges and opportunities for small businesses to optimise their energy usage. 

Winter brings increased heating demands and lighting requirements during shorter days. Summer often sees cooling systems working overtime, particularly in customer-facing areas. Spring and autumn, while generally milder, can present their own challenges with unpredictable weather patterns requiring both heating and cooling, sometimes within the same day.

Yet while seasonal variations significantly impact energy costs, many businesses apply the same energy management approach year-round. That’s why it’s important for businesses to understand and anticipate seasonal patterns so they can adapt their energy strategy proactively, rather than reacting to weather changes after they occur.

 “Seasonal energy management is important in Ireland’s variable climate,” explains Tricia Murray, Energy Services Manager at Energia. “Implementing a maintenance schedule that accounts for the variability of Irish weather patterns, and turning energy conservation into a team effort, can pay off reducing energy costs while staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer.”

 “Energy management isn’t just about reducing bills. It’s about creating a sustainable business model that works with the Irish weather while supporting community environmental goals,” Tricia adds.

Seasonal Schedule

Regular maintenance is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency throughout the year. Create a seasonal maintenance schedule that addresses specific requirements for each season.

Include often-overlooked tasks in your seasonal maintenance. Clean windows regularly to maximise natural light. Check door closers and seals quarterly. Inspect roof drainage before autumn rains and clear ventilation pathways before summer heat.

Document all maintenance activities and their impact on energy performance. This information builds a valuable resource for future planning and helps identify patterns in equipment performance and energy consumption.

Winter: Mastering Cold Weather Efficiency 

Winter preparation should begin in early autumn. Start by examining your heating system thoroughly. Ensure all radiators are functioning correctly and bleed them to remove air pockets that reduce efficiency. 

• Examine your building fabric for heat loss. Windows and doors should seal properly, and any gaps should be addressed before the cold sets in. Consider installing draft excluders and thermal blinds. 
• Review your roof insulation. Heat rises, and a poorly insulated roof can account for significant heat loss.
• Programme your heating system to match your business hours precisely. Factor in warm-up times based on the building’s characteristics but avoid excessive pre-heating. Turn off 30 mins to one hour before staff leave as the building will retain heat for a period of time after the heating is switched off.
• Programme ventilation to come on later than the heating. This gives the building a chance to heat up. Pre-heat ventilated air where possible.
• Turn down the thermostat rather than opening windows.
• Consider setting a frost protection temperature for overnight rather than maintaining unnecessary warmth in an empty building.
• Where relevant, check boiler pressure and arrange professional servicing before the cold weather hits, as engineers become increasingly busy once temperatures drop.

Summer: Managing Mild Summers

Effective summer cooling starts with prevention. Irish summers bring their own unique challenges. Unlike in warmer climates, businesses need systems that can handle both warm and cool days, sometimes in the same afternoon.

• Review air conditioning settings well before summer arrives. Set realistic temperature targets. Every degree lower on the thermostat typically increases energy consumption by about eight percent.
• Consider natural ventilation strategies where possible. Early morning ventilation can help cool the building before the day heats up. Cross-ventilation can reduce reliance on mechanical cooling. 
• Install thermal blinds for sunny days and implement a smart system that can respond to sudden weather changes.

Spring and Autumn Preparation

Ireland’s unpredictable spring and autumn weather, with its mix of mild days and sudden cold snaps, requires flexible solutions. 

• Invest in smart heating controls and train staff to manage ventilation during changeable weather. Regular monitoring and adjustment of thermostat setpoints helps prevent simultaneous heating and cooling, a common energy waste during transitional weather.
• Schedule thorough inspections of both heating and cooling systems when they’re not in heavy use. 
• Organise a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment to identify opportunities for improvement that can cost dearly during peak season. 

Christmas, Easter and Bank Holidays

Christmas, Easter, and bank holidays often mean altered operating hours or complete shutdowns which requires businesses to give special consideration to their energy management strategy.

• Plan ahead by adjusting automation schedules to match the changed opening hours. Don’t forget to update security lighting and essential equipment schedules accordingly.
• Create specific shutdown procedures for these periods. Identify equipment that can be completely turned off versus systems that must maintain minimal operation. 
• Consider the impact of seasonal activities on energy use. Christmas lighting and displays, summer fans, or additional ventilation for busy periods all affect your energy consumption. 
• Remember that vacant buildings still need frost protection in winter and humidity control in summer. 

Effective seasonal energy management requires forward planning and consistent attention to changing conditions. By understanding and preparing for seasonal challenges, businesses can maintain comfortable conditions while controlling energy costs throughout the year. 

Remember that small adjustments, made consistently and proactively, often yield better results than major changes implemented reactively. Energy management is an ongoing process, and success comes from regular attention to seasonal changes and their impact on your business operations.

Seasonal Energy Management Tips

• Invest in smart heating controls suitable for variable weather
• Plan for year-round heating needs
• Schedule regular maintenance through certified contractors
• Monitor energy prices
• Join local business networks for shared sustainability insights
• Arrange a BER assessment and SEAI energy audit