How to Calculate ROI for Your Workplace Cooling Solution

Heat can have a major impact on your bottom line. So can running an ineffective or expensive cooling system in the workplace. In high temps, workers slow down, mistakes happen more frequently, and energy bills climb, all while managers scramble for solutions and relief. That’s why choosing the right industrial cooling solution isn’t just about comfort. It’s about the return on your investment (ROI). 

In this article we will dive into the variables that impact your cooling costs and savings, guide you through calculating productivity and ROI, and what to look for when comparing common cooling systems from HVAC and fans to evaporative coolers. 

Invest in cooling and maximize ROI 

In hot warehouses, auto shops, and construction zones, cooling directly impacts your bottom line. The ROI of your cooling system can be measured across multiple aspects of your business, from energy costs to employee health. The right cooling solution isn’t just a short term solution, it’s an investment in your long-term success.  

Keep employees safe 

When temperatures rise above 75ºF, employee health and your profits get put in jeopardy. High temperatures can cause heat-related medical conditions and lead to large hospital bills for your employees and your business. Overheated employees are also more likely to make mistakes, take time off, or leave the company.  

Boost productivity 

OSHA guidelines recommend that employees take frequent breaks in hot conditions. While these breaks can help reduce the risk of heat stress, they don’t change the reality that heat affects cognition and performance. In fact, productivity drops by 4% for every degree above 80ºF. That means that productivity drops by 20% at 85º! This decline can quickly add up to thousands of dollars lost per workday.  

Cut energy costs 

Invest in an energy-efficient cooling system that delivers the benefits of cooling while cutting your electricity bill. While cooling systems like air conditioners may offer eco-friendly or energy-saving modes, those settings cut cooling performance without making much of a difference on your bottom line. 

Industrial cooling method cost comparison 

Most cooling systems are either inefficient, expensive to set up, costly to maintain, or all of the above. Traditional HVAC systems like air conditioning drive up monthly electric bills and require constant servicing. Meanwhile, industrial fans are more reliable and energy efficient, but they only move air around, they don’t cool it.   

However, evaporative coolers deliver the best of both worlds. Providing a high-performance, cost-effective solution. Portable warehouse evaporative coolers can reduce surrounding air temps by up to 30ºF, while only adding up to $1 a day to your power bill. They can work as stand-alone systems, pair with other evaporative coolers to cool large areas like warehouses, and/or complement an existing HVAC system or industrial fans.  

Let’s see how these workplace cooling methods stack up:  

How to calculate ROI on your cooling system 

How do you know if your cooling system is truly effective? You can calculate your ROI by considering the upfront and annual operating costs as well as impacts on productivity. With the formula below, you can calculate how much you could save by investing in a more effective cooling solution.  

1. Calculate upfront costs 
   1. Total purchase price 
   2. Installation and setup fees  
2. Consider product lifespan and warranty 
   1. Factor in product lifespan, warranty, and replacement cycles 
3. Quantify productivity gains 
   1. Use our Productivity Loss Calculator to estimate the impact of heat on your productivity and profits. 
4. Calculate your payback period 
   1. Divide the upfront cost by your annual savings to see how quickly the solution pays for itself. 

 Project long-term savings 

Once you’ve effectively paid for the cooling system with productivity gains, you should consider operational costs and how much you could save by using a more energy-efficient system like portable evaporative cooling: 

1. Find the average kWh usage of your cooling system. This info should be in a product manual or owner’s guide.  
2. Multiply that by the number of hours you run your system, and the average cost per kWh in your state to estimate your energy costs for one month.  
3. Add up your maintenance costs for one year, then divide by 12 to estimate the maintenance cost per month. 

 The hidden value of better cooling 

Choosing the right high performing, cost-effective cooling system not only delivers a tangible impact on your bottom line, it also delivers short and long-term benefits for your team. 

• Employee satisfaction & retention: Keep your employees comfortable, and they’ll keep coming back. Look to evaporative cooling or HVAC systems. Fans don’t cool the air, so they won’t have as much of a positive impact on employee happiness. 
• Sustainability: Evaporative coolers use water and electricity to naturally cool the air. Industrial fans also have a low environmental impact, but minimal cooling benefit. Meanwhile, HVAC systems drive up energy costs, while the refrigerants and chemicals used for cooling can be harmful to your team and the environment.  
• Flexibility: Portacool portable evaporative coolers are built with rugged wheels and built-in handles, making it easy to conquer the heat in spaces where traditional cooling systems like HVAC and fans can’t reach. Portacool APEX™ Series coolers also come equipped with CoolSync™ technology, enabling you to control your climate from the palm of your hand. 

Rethink workplace cooling with Portacool 

Your business is in it for the long haul. Invest in a workplace cooling solution that grows with you over time. Portacool evaporative coolers are the best choice for both immediate and long-term ROI. 

Explore the Portacool Buying Guide to find the right industrial evaporative cooler for your facility or find your local Portacool dealer today.