Summer is here—and for facility managers, that means rising temperatures, rising utility costs, and rising pressure to keep operations running smoothly. With air conditioning systems working overtime and energy bills spiking, staying ahead of energy efficiency is more than just a sustainability goal—it’s a smart financial strategy.
At RKB Facility Solutions, we know the summer season can strain even the best-run facilities. That’s why we’re sharing five practical, high-impact strategies to help facility managers reduce energy usage, cut costs, and maintain occupant comfort during peak summer months.
1. Prioritize HVAC Optimization
Cooling systems are the backbone of summer facility management—and also the biggest energy drain. In most commercial spaces, HVAC accounts for 40–60% of total energy consumption during hot months. That means small tweaks can lead to big savings.
How to Boost Efficiency:
- Schedule preventive maintenance before or early in the season. This includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, inspecting ductwork, and testing controls.
- Replace or clean air filters more frequently in the summer—typically every month.
- Install smart thermostats that adjust temperatures based on occupancy and time of day.
Even raising your thermostat by just 1–2°F can reduce cooling costs by 3–5% without impacting comfort.
RKB Tip: Managing multiple locations? We offer national HVAC service coordination so you can streamline maintenance and repairs through a single, trusted partner.
2. Upgrade to LED Lighting and Controls
Summer energy efficiency isn’t just about cooling. Your lighting system could contribute to higher energy costs—and extra heat.
Why LEDs Make a Difference:
- Use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs
- Produce less heat, easing the burden on your HVAC system
- Last longer, reducing maintenance and replacement costs
Pairing LEDs with occupancy sensors, timers, and daylight harvesting systems ensures lights are only used when needed, maximizing your savings.
RKB Tip: Need help planning a facility-wide lighting upgrade? RKB can assess your current system, recommend efficient replacements, and coordinate installation with minimal downtime.
3. Improve Insulation and Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks and poor insulation force your HVAC system to work harder than necessary, leading to energy waste and higher bills. Even small gaps around doors, windows, and vents can make a big difference.
Quick Wins:
- Inspect and replace weatherstripping where needed
- Use thermal imaging to identify weak insulation areas
- Seal cracks and gaps with caulking or foam
Proper insulation doesn’t just keep cool air in—it also keeps hot air and humidity out. This improves comfort and reduces strain on cooling systems.
RKB Tip: We offer building envelope inspections to detect issues you might not see—so you can fix them before they impact your bottom line.
4. Monitor and Manage Peak Demand
During the summer, many utility providers apply peak demand charges based on your highest usage periods. That means a short window of heavy energy consumption can drive up your entire month’s bill.
Cost-Saving Strategies:
- Stagger equipment startup times to avoid simultaneous spikes
- Use building automation systems (BAS) to reduce load during peak hours (typically mid-afternoon)
- Pre-cool your facility during off-peak hours if your structure retains cool air wellRKB Tip: Not sure when your peak usage occurs? We help clients implement energy tracking systems that pinpoint demand patterns and identify opportunities to reduce peak load.
5. Conduct a Mid-Season Energy Checkup
The best way to make meaningful improvements is to measure your performance and adjust in real time. A mid-summer checkup gives you insight into what’s working—and what’s not— before the heat (and your costs) hit their peak.
What to Review:
- Compare current usage with last year’s utility bills
- Identify any spikes or irregularities in energy use
- Inspect high-use systems (HVAC, lighting, refrigeration, etc.) for signs of wear
Consider bringing in a professional for an energy audit, especially if you manage multiple facilities or notice an unexpected cost increase.
RKB Tip: We offer energy assessments tailored to your industry and footprint. Whether it’s one location or one hundred, we’ll help you understand your usage and act on it.
Partner with RKB for Smarter Summer Operations
At RKB Facility Solutions, we don’t just respond to problems—we help you stay ahead of them. Our nationwide network of service providers, preventive maintenance programs, and energyefficient upgrades are designed to reduce stress on your systems and your budget.
Whether you manage a commercial property, retail chain, or multi-site enterprise, we’re here to simplify your summer operations and make energy efficiency achievable at scale.
