Simple steps to start saving
We want to help you manage energy use for your business, office, school, commercial or industrial facility in a way that helps your bottom line as much as possible. Here are simple tips that can result in savings for you and your business.
Lighting
- Install motion sensors to automatically turn off lights when rooms are not in use.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs.
- Lower light levels where appropriate such as around computer monitors.
- Install LED (light-emitting diode) exit signs.
- Install timers or photocells on outside lights.
- Avoid over lighting areas.
Water heating/conservation
- Use hot water wisely. Set water temperature only as hot as needed. (Check your local codes for specifications for your business.)
- Insulate hot water holding tanks and hot and cold water pipes.
- Install faucet aerators and efficient showerheads.
- Find and fix leaks.
- Use plants native to your climate that require minimal watering and possess better pest resistance.
Refrigeration/freezing
- Perform routine maintenance, such as vacuuming, to remove dust.
- Turn off the lights in walk-in refrigerators/freezers.
- Add strip curtains to refrigerated spaces without doors.
- Defrost regularly.
- Retrofit or replace old refrigerators and freezers.
Equipment
- Turn off office equipment/machines when not in use, wherever possible. (Myth: Equipment lasts longer if it is never turned off.)
- Unplug appliances/equipment or use power strips. Devices draw power even when switched off.
- Maintain your equipment to ensure efficient performance.
- Use energy efficient computers and office equipment.
- Make sure your motors and motor systems are running at optimum efficiency.
- Buy ENERGY STAR® qualified products.
Heating and cooling
- Make sure your HVAC system is operating efficiently.
- Inspect and clean or replace air filters on a regular basis.
- Repair leaks in system components such as pipes, steam traps or couplings.
- Adjust the thermostat during unoccupied times or install a programmable thermostat.
- Reduce air conditioning hours.
- Make sure radiators, air intake vents, etc., are not obstructed so that air can flow freely.
- Control direct sun through windows depending on season and climate.
Motor management
- Electric motors make up the largest end use of electricity in the U.S., accounting for approximately 60-70 percent electricity consumption in industrial applications. Energy expenditures can be 10 percent or more of total operating costs.
- Electricity used by industrial motor-driven systems accounts for 25 percent of total electricity sales in the U.S. – representing the largest single category of electricity use in the country.
- Optimizing industrial motor systems through the implementation of mature, proven, cost-effective energy-saving techniques can reduce U.S. industrial energy costs.
- Industrial customers benefit from improved control of production processes, reduction in waste materials and improved environmental compliance.
Tips/Links
We all know standing with the refrigerator door open lets out the cold. But there are lots of other ways you could be losing money. Find some ideas here.