Winter Energy Costs Got You Cold? Heating Efficiency Tips for Oklahoma Commercial Buildings
Why Heating Costs Spike in Oklahoma Winters
Commercial buildings across Central Oklahoma face a unique winter challenge: relatively mild days mixed with sudden, sharp cold fronts. Average low temperatures in Edmond and surrounding areas dip into the 30s during the coldest months, but it's not uncommon for Arctic blasts to send temps plummeting into the teens. This dramatic shift creates a serious load on heating systems.
Compounding the issue, many commercial spaces in Oklahoma are housed in older buildings with outdated insulation, poor air sealing, or aging HVAC systems. The result? High utility bills, uneven heating, and increased strain on your equipment. In fact, heating accounts for up to 48% of energy consumption in Oklahoma buildings, according to Edmond Electric.
If your property isn’t winter-ready, you could be wasting thousands of dollars—and risking employee comfort and tenant satisfaction.
Top Heating Efficiency Fixes for Commercial Properties
Replace or Service Aging HVAC Systems
Older HVAC units—especially those over 10 years—often operate at less than 50% of their rated efficiency. If your building’s system hasn’t been upgraded or properly maintained, it may be burning through more energy than necessary to produce the same level of comfort.
Consider replacing outdated units with ENERGY STAR® certified furnaces or heat pumps. New cold-climate heat pumps are highly efficient, even in freezing temps, and may qualify for up to $8,000 in federal rebates.
Maximize Insulation & Seal Leaks
Poor insulation and air leaks are among the top culprits behind high heating costs. These issues are common in Central Oklahoma’s older commercial buildings.
Small upgrades like weather stripping, door sweeps, and thermal window coverings can make a big difference. Adding attic or wall insulation can reduce energy bills by up to 30%, according to Edmond Electric.
Use Smart Thermostats & Setback Schedules
Smart thermostats help building managers optimize heat usage by adjusting temperatures during off-hours. Programming nighttime and weekend setbacks—lowering the temperature by 7–10°F—can reduce annual heating costs by up to 10%, per the U.S. Department of Energy.
Bonus: Some models can integrate with occupancy sensors, so you’re only heating active spaces.
Clean Filters and Maintain Ductwork
Dirty filters and leaky ducts create resistance in airflow, forcing your system to work harder. A clogged filter can increase energy consumption by 5–15%. Check and replace filters every 30–60 days, and have ductwork professionally inspected annually.
Prevent Freezing Risks with Consistent Heating
If your building sits vacant or has unheated sections, maintaining indoor temps above 65°F is essential to avoid frozen pipes. The cost of emergency repairs far outweighs the cost of keeping a building safely heated.
Take Advantage of Local Rebates & Incentives
Why pay full price for HVAC upgrades when local and federal incentives can offset your costs?
- OG&E offers free energy assessments and up to $3,000 in efficiency upgrades, including insulation, tune-ups, and programmable thermostats.
- Oklahoma Natural Gas (ONG) provides rebates for high-efficiency furnaces, water heaters, and smart thermostats.
- Federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) programs offer up to $8,000 for heat pump installations and $4,000 for electrical panel upgrades.
The sooner you apply, the better—rebate funds are limited and first-come, first-served.
Practical Tips for Staying Energy-Efficient This Winter
You don’t need a full system overhaul to make your building more efficient. Here are five smart, low-to-medium cost actions you can take immediately:
- Schedule a pre-winter HVAC inspection – Catch issues before peak demand.
- Seal windows and doors – Use weather stripping and caulk to close gaps.
- Replace filters and clean ducts – Improve airflow and reduce system strain.
- Install smart thermostats – Set automated schedules to save during off-hours.
- Apply for rebates – Use local and federal programs to reduce upgrade costs.
FAQ:Is a heat pump effective in Edmond winters?
Yes. Modern heat pumps are designed for cold climates and work efficiently in subfreezing temperatures, making them a smart option for Oklahoma commercial buildings.
Why It Matters in Central Oklahoma
Central Oklahoma presents a unique mix of HVAC challenges:
- Hard water causes mineral buildup in boilers and water heaters, reducing efficiency.
- Volatile winter weather increases the risk of sudden system demand spikes.
- Aging infrastructure in commercial zones like Edmond, Moore, and Norman increases heat loss.
Proactive heating efficiency not only saves money, it protects your property and keeps tenants comfortable. In partnership with OG&E and ONG, many businesses have already started reaping the rewards of efficient, winter-ready buildings.
Need expert help? [Your Company Name] offers localized energy audits, HVAC maintenance, and rebate consultation for commercial clients.
Conclusion
To recap:
- Heating can consume nearly half your winter utility costs.
- Aging systems and poor insulation are silent profit-killers.
- Smart thermostats and routine maintenance offer big returns.
- Rebates from OG&E, ONG, and the federal government make upgrades affordable.
Act now before Oklahoma’s next cold snap hits. Boost your building’s efficiency, comfort, and cost savings this winter.
A&T Mechanical | Updated November 2025