How Can Businesses Lower Heating Costs Without Sacrificing Comfort?

Every winter, business owners face the same stressful dilemma. You watch heating bills climb higher each year, eating into your budget. Yet you also feel the pressure to keep your workspace warm enough for employees to be productive and customers to feel welcome. It often feels like you have to choose between saving money and maintaining a comfortable environment. But that does not have to be the case.

For over 50 years, Van Drunen Heating & Air Conditioning has helped businesses in South Holland and the surrounding areas manage this exact challenge. We know that cutting costs should never mean sacrificing warmth. Instead, it requires making smart and strategic choices about your heating equipment and how you use it.

Businesses can lower heating costs without sacrificing comfort by:

• Choosing heating systems designed for even, efficient performance.
• Improving airflow and reducing heat loss throughout the building.
• Doing regular maintenance to keep their heating system in good shape.
• Getting routine inspections to detect issues early.

What Heating Options Deliver the Best Balance of Efficiency and Comfort?

Modern commercial heating technology has come a long way. You no longer need to rely on outdated units that blast uneven heat and waste energy. Here are some systems that stand out today:

Rooftop Units (RTUs)

• How they work:
  • Packaged heating equipment installed on the roof that heats air and distributes it evenly through the building’s ductwork.
• Why they’re energy efficient:
  • Everything is contained in a single unit, reducing energy loss through long duct runs.
  • Modern RTUs use variable-speed fans and burners that adjust output based on real-time demand.
  • Improved zoning options help avoid unnecessary heating in unused areas.
  • Easier to service, which keeps systems operating at peak efficiency.

Tube Heaters

• How they work:
  • Gas-fired radiant tubes that emit infrared heat, warming people and objects directly rather than heating the air first.
• Why they’re energy efficient:
  • Radiant heat stays at ground level instead of drifting up to the ceiling.
  • Excellent for warehouses, garages, and large open spaces where traditional forced air systems struggle.
  • Deliver fast, targeted warmth without pushing heated air over long distances.
  • Can maintain comfort at lower thermostat settings.

Unit Heaters

• How they work:
  • Compact, wall- or ceiling-mounted heaters that warm specific zones with fan-forced airflow.
• Why they’re energy efficient:
  • Perfect for supplemental or localized heating.
  • Reduce the load on central systems by focusing heat where it’s actually needed.
  • Ideal for workshops, loading docks, mechanical rooms, and corner offices.
  • Help prevent energy waste by allowing targeted, zone-based heating.

Choosing the right system depends on your building’s size, layout, and ceiling height. RTUs excel in offices and retail spaces, tube heaters shine in warehouses or garages, and unit heaters support areas that need focused, flexible heat.

What Can Businesses Do to Improve Airflow and Reduce Heat Loss?

Even the best heating system will struggle if your building is losing heat or if air cannot circulate properly. There are several practical steps you can take to immediately reduce energy use.

• Reorganize furniture and equipment: Make sure bookshelves, desks, or machinery are not blocking vents, registers, or returns.
• Use ceiling fans: Set fans to run clockwise at a low speed to push warm air near the ceiling back down to the floor.
• Seal drafts: Check for gaps around windows, doors, dock doors, and loading areas where cold air creeps in.
• Add insulation: improving insulation in attics, utility rooms, or exterior walls keeps heat inside where it belongs.
• Install weatherstripping: Repair or replace worn weatherstripping on doors to create a tight seal.

Better airflow helps your system heat the space more efficiently. This reduces the strain on your equipment and lowers your monthly costs.

What Simple Commercial Heating Maintenance Tasks Can You Do Yourself to Save Energy?

Beyond improving your building’s airflow, you can handle simple maintenance tasks on your own to keep your heating system running efficiently and save energy. Small steps really do make a difference in reducing your energy bills.

Start with cleaning or replacing air filters regularly to maintain strong airflow and prevent your system from overworking. Check the ductwork, vents, and returns for any blockages or leaks that could allow warm air to escape. You can also visually inspect components such as belts, coils, and ignition systems to spot dirt buildup or obvious wear that may require immediate professional attention.

How Often Should Commercial Heating Systems Be Inspected to Keep Bills Under Control?

While you can handle some maintenance tasks on your own, many critical components of your commercial heating system require a professional’s expertise. That’s why we recommend scheduling professional inspections twice per year, typically in the spring and fall.  

During these pre-season checks, a trained technician does more than just a quick look-over. They can spot hidden issues, such as worn-out parts or subtle inefficiencies, that aren’t visible to the untrained eye. These expert inspections help your system operate at peak efficiency, prevent unexpected failures, extend the equipment’s lifespan, and make your utility bills more predictable, all of which puts more money back in your pockets.

Create Comfort Without the Cost Spiral

Lowering heating costs doesn’t have to feel like choosing between your budget and your team’s comfort. With the right equipment, better airflow, and consistent maintenance, your building works more efficiently every day.

Every business deserves a heating system that supports productivity rather than drains resources. Van Drunen Heating & Air Conditioning has spent decades helping local businesses create warm, efficient environments that make financial sense. Reach out to our team today to explore the best options for your building.