Introduction
Energy costs are one of the biggest ongoing expenses for commercial buildings — and your air conditioning system is usually the main culprit. Improving energy efficiency in your HVAC setup doesn’t just cut electricity bills; it also improves comfort, reduces breakdowns, and extends the life of your system.
At Shelair, we help clients design, install, and maintain energy efficient commercial air conditioning systems across Brisbane, Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.
1. Regular Maintenance Keeps Efficiency High
A well-maintained HVAC system always performs better than a neglected one. Dust buildup, dirty filters, and blocked drains all make your system work harder — consuming more power for less output.
Regular preventative maintenance from Shelair ensures:
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Filters and coils are kept clean.
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Airflow is optimised.
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Sensors and thermostats are calibrated.
Small issues are caught early, keeping your system efficient and compliant with Queensland energy standards.
2. Upgrade to Modern Inverter or VRV Systems
If your building still relies on older fixed-speed air conditioners, upgrading to an inverter-driven or VRV/VRF system can deliver immediate savings.
These modern systems automatically adjust output to match demand, reducing power draw by up to 30%. For large commercial sites — such as offices, retail centres, and healthcare facilities — this can save thousands every year.
See more on “VRV/VRF systems” on our Installation page.
3. Use Smart Controls and Scheduling
Many commercial HVAC systems waste energy simply because they run when no one’s around. Smart controllers and building management systems (BMS) allow you to:
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Set schedules to match occupancy.
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Monitor temperatures remotely.
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Receive alerts when systems operate inefficiently.
Shelair can integrate new control systems into your existing HVAC network to improve automation and oversight.
4. Zone Your Building for Smarter Cooling
Not every part of your building needs cooling at the same intensity. By dividing your property into zones and managing each independently, you can cut wasted energy and create more consistent comfort.
Zoning works particularly well for:
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Multi-floor buildings
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Mixed-use commercial spaces
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Areas with varying occupancy throughout the day
5. Seal and Insulate Ductwork
Air leaks in ducting are one of the most common causes of wasted energy in large HVAC systems. Even small leaks can cause losses of up to 20% in cooling efficiency.
Shelair technicians inspect and seal ducts as part of our energy optimisation service, improving airflow and system performance immediately.
6. Monitor Performance and Set Efficiency Goals
Energy efficiency isn’t a one-time upgrade — it’s an ongoing process.
We recommend that commercial clients:
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Track energy use monthly.
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Record changes after each maintenance visit.
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Set measurable efficiency targets each quarter.
Shelair provides maintenance reports with performance data so you can see tangible savings over time.
7. Reinvest Savings into Preventive Maintenance
When your system operates efficiently, reinvest part of those savings into a preventive maintenance plan. Regular care compounds your efficiency gains — creating a cycle of lower costs and higher reliability.
Why Work with Shelair
For over 30 years, Shelair has supported commercial clients across Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast with energy-efficient air conditioning design, installation, and maintenance.
Our combination of technical expertise and responsive service ensures your systems operate at peak efficiency year-round.
Call Today
Want to improve the efficiency of your commercial air conditioning system?
Contact Shelair for an energy performance assessment or maintenance plan that reduces your operating costs and carbon footprint.
📞 Call 07 3204 9511 or visit our Service & Repairs page to get started.