Autumn Check-Up: Getting Your HVAC and Refrigeration Systems Ready for Winter.

Why does it matter in Autumn and why now?
As the seasons shift, so does your building’s energy demand. In autumn, cooling demand drops, heating begins to rise, but refrigeration remains a constant energy drain. This “shoulder season” is the perfect time to fine-tune your systems before peak winter bills hit.
The stakes are high: inefficient HVAC means wasted energy, higher costs, and unnecessary carbon. Poorly optimised refrigeration burns energy 24/7, regardless of outside temperature. Together, HVAC and refrigeration can account for 40–50% of a commercial building’s total energy use making them the biggest opportunities for savings (Westphalen, Koszalinski and Ryan, 2001).
https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/commercial_initiative/hvac_volume1_final_report.pdf.

The Cost of Inefficient Systems
When HVAC and refrigeration systems aren’t running at their best, the hidden costs add up fast.
HVAC inefficiencies – Something as simple as a clogged filter, a poorly calibrated thermostat, or leaking ductwork can force systems to work harder than necessary, driving energy use up by 20–30%.
Top 3 Signs Your HVAC Ductwork Is Leaking – Trane®
Refrigeration inefficiencies – Incorrect temperature settings, unnoticed refrigerant leaks, or inefficient defrost cycles quietly waste energy all year long, regardless of the season.

The business impact goes beyond higher bills:
● Rising operating costs that erode margins.
● Increased risk of breakdowns just when you need reliability most – winter heating or 24/7 cold storage.
● A heavier carbon footprint, putting ESG goals and net-zero commitments further out of reach.

Step-by-Step: How to Conduct an Autumn HVAC & Refrigeration Audits

Review Your Energy Data

-Compare current usage with the same period last year.

Inspect HVAC Systems

-Replace or clean air filters.

– Check ductwork for leaks.

– Test thermostats and sensors for accuracy.

– Ensure schedules align with actual building occupancy.

Optimise Refrigeration

-Verify temperature set points (they’re often set lower than necessary).

-Inspect door seals and gaskets for air leaks.

-Monitor for refrigerant leaks – a single leak can increase energy use by 20%.

-Review and adjust defrost cycle settings.

Consider enPact Cooling + Refrigeration, energy savings up to 40% across refrigeration and HVAC systems.

Evaluate Controls & Automation

-Are heating and cooling systems ever running at the same time?

-Are controls responsive to real-time conditions?

-Could optimisation technologies reduce unnecessary compressor use?

Identify Quick Wins vs. Long-Term Savings

-Quick wins: Cleaning filters, sealing leaks, reprogramming controls.

-Strategic upgrades: enPact live monitoring, enPact cooling + refrigeration, voltage optimisation.

Ready to Take Action This Autumn?

At Emissis, we specialise in turning seasonal energy challenges into opportunities for savings. Whether you manage cold storage, retail sites, or office buildings, our team can help you:
-Carry out a tailored HVAC & refrigeration audit this autumn -Develop a practical Action Plan for longer-term improvements -Track your energy use in real time with enPact Energy + Carbon Management -Measure and report carbon savings to stay ahead of net zero commitments.

Don’t wait until winter bills spike, let’s make your systems more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective before peak demand hits.