The cost of heating and cooling a commercial property is always going to be high. That said, there's no reason to pay more than you should, simply because your building isn't in ship shape. If you would like to learn more about some common causes of energy loss, read on. This article will discuss three places such losses tend to occur in commercial buildings.

A Note About Thermal Imaging

Contrary to many people's understanding, determining the sources of energy loss in a building doesn't require an HVAC Sherlock Holmes. Thanks to thermal imaging technology, air leaks can be easily diagnosed by virtually anybody. The infrared cameras used in such imaging systems allow you to see a color-coded image corresponding to the temperature inside of your building. Air leaks can be detected as areas of either darker blue during winter months, or darker red during summer months.

Being able to see such temperature differences makes it easy to tell where leaks are occurring. Yet before renting a an infrared camera, be aware that these tools are only useful where there is a large enough temperature gradient between the inside and outside of your building. The closer the two temperatures are, the more difficult it will be to pinpoint any areas of leakage. 

Your HVAC System Itself

The best place to start looking for energy leaks is around your commercial HVAC system itself. Inspect all of the exposed ductwork and registers. Poorly insulated ducting is one of the most common sources of heating and cooling loss. Likewise, ducts that have developed holes or cracks--particular in the places where ducts are joined together--are a frequent source of air leaks.

Also inspect any areas where your furnace or blower is connected to your electrical system. Corroded and loose connections lead to an increased degree of resistance, which in turn leads to overheating. Since such connections are often located near the temperature sensors, it is possible that your system is overworking as the result of incorrect information about the temperature inside your building.

Generators And Motors

Electrical motors and generators, used to power everything from blower systems to air conditioners, to elevators, are a ubiquitous feature in commercial buildings. They are also a common cause of energy leaks, especially when mechanical problems cause them to begin overheating. Overheating is often the result of poor air flow. In other words, blockages or restrictions are not allowing the motor to be properly cooled by its attendant fan.