5 Ways To Lower Energy Bills In Metal Buildings

Key Takeaways:

• To reduce energy usage in metal buildings, focus on proper insulation, reflective roofing, and energy-efficient lighting. This minimizes energy loss, controls heat transfer, and creates a comfortable environment, making steel buildings more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
• Energy efficiency in metal buildings reduces energy costs, improves thermal performance, and enhances indoor comfort. Using insulation options like spray foam or fiberglass blankets helps control condensation and maintain consistent indoor temperatures in both hot and cold climates.
• Existing metal buildings can improve energy efficiency by retrofitting modern insulation materials, sealing air leaks, and adding reflective barriers or cool roofs. These upgrades provide long-term savings, better thermal control, and a more sustainable building solution.If you're not careful, energy can literally fly out the window, between cracks, under doors, and through the roof.

Metal buildings are increasingly popular, accounting for 65% of all commercial construction in the United States.

Steel buildings are a smart choice for commercial, residential, and industrial facilities because they are known for their cost-efficiency, strength, and durability.

They are commonly used for garages, storage, gymnasiums, warehouses, and airplane hangars.

With the rise in their use, there’s growing interest in reducing energy costs and improving energy efficiency in these structures.

This article will explore effective strategies to optimize energy usage in new and existing steel buildings.

Table Of Contents

• Minimize Your Energy Costs
• Use Reflective Roofing
• Energy-Efficient Bulbs
• Manage Energy Use
• Turn Off What You're Not Using
• Save the Environment and Your Wallet

Minimize Your Energy Costs

If you're not careful, energy can literally fly out the window, between cracks, under doors, and through the roof.

Aging wood buildings are particularly vulnerable to leaks and high energy consumption because the lumber will settle, twist, and creep.

If you add insulation to your current structure that will often be enough to cut your energy loss.

Replacing old windows and doors with new insulated doors and windows will help as well.

Just sealing around your doors and windows will likely increase your energy efficiency.

Commercial-grade steel building systems create deep exterior walls, leaving room for thicker and more robust installation.

Opt for a top-of-the-line insulation system with thermal breaks.

Your future self will thank you for it.

To read more about insulating your metal building check out our article What Are The Best Options For Insulating A Metal Building?

Use Reflective Roofing

Those darker roofs might look good, but they will wreak havoc on your utility bill.

Especially if you live in a warm climate, you should avoid a dark roof.

In general, the lighter the roof, the cooler the building.

Using new reflective paint technologies will bounce heat and UV rays away from your structure.

These painted roofs cut summer cooling costs by an average of 7% to 15%.

When you purchase your new steel building, ask them about the availability of cool-coated steel panels.

However, in certain situations, you might need to avoid reflective paint.

If you live in a cold climate with mild summers, a dark, non-reflective roof might be best.

Energy-Efficient Bulbs

If you haven't already done so, replacing all your bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs will save more energy and money than you probably realize.

The bulbs use less electricity, to begin with, and they last about ten times longer.

Installing dimmer switches inside and motion detectors outside reduces energy use as well.

When designing your new steel building, consider using skylights to reduce your dependency on interior lighting during the day.

Natural lighting not only saves on energy costs but it is often preferred over interior lights.

Manage Energy Use

The EPA has a saying "you can't manage what you don't measure."

Based on that principle, they developed an energy-auditing tool called Portfolio Manager.

The software tracks your energy usage through an online tool.

Once you input last year's utility bills, you usually get a startling look at your actual energy spending, which provides a benchmark for future usage.

Whenever possible, buy energy-saving electronics, office equipment, and appliances to reduce energy loss.

Turn Off What You're Not Using

I know I sound like your Dad with this one, but it's still worth saying.

Flipping the switch when you're finished using something is becoming a lost art.

Make sure your employees (and yourself) turn off all the lights when they leave the room. Unplug or at least turn-off things that are seldom used.

Connect computers, peripherals, and other office equipment to power strips so they can all be turned off when not in use.

The majority of electrical products use small amounts of energy even when they are turned off.

Avoid "electrical leakage" by unplugging all electronics and office equipment when not in use.

Save The Environment And Your Wallet

Choosing a steel building for your next structure is already a step in the right direction.

Your steel building will not experience the same problems as a traditional building when it settles and starts leaking energy.

Couple that with the ideas above, and who knows how much extra money you will have in your pocket.

If you're interested in a steel building, and you want to talk to a team of experts, click the button below.

The team at CDMG can't wait to talk to you.

People Also Ask

Are metal buildings energy-efficient?

Yes, metal buildings are energy-efficient. With proper insulation, reflective roofing, and thermal breaks, metal buildings reduce energy loss, control heat transfer, and minimize air leaks, making them an excellent choice for energy-efficient construction.

Does metal roof reduce energy bills?

Yes, a metal roof can reduce energy bills. Using reflective roofing materials or cool roofs helps bounce heat and UV rays away, improving thermal performance and reducing cooling costs, especially in hot climates.

How much does a 1000 sq ft metal building cost?

The cost of a 1000 sq ft metal building varies depending on factors like building size, insulation types, and customizations. On average, prices range between $10,000 and $30,000, but contacting a metal building company can provide an accurate building estimate for your project.

What are the disadvantages of building with metal?

The disadvantages of building with metal include potential condensation issues, susceptibility to dents in extreme weather, and higher upfront costs compared to traditional building materials. However, proper insulation and moisture control can address many of these concerns, ensuring long-term benefits.

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