Do you know where your energy dollars are going and how many of those dollars are going to waste? HVAC and lighting are the two biggest energy users in many buildings, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, so those are good places to start looking. Walk around your facility and ask yourself the following questions. It will help make you more aware of how you are using energy and what steps you should take to reduce your energy bills.
Are you still using linear fluorescent lamps?
High-efficiency LEDs use up to 75% less energy than conventional lights and last a lot longer. While a lighting upgrade may sound pricey, inexpensive LED replacement lamps and retrofit kits are available, making an upgrade easy and affordable.
Are lights left on in unoccupied spaces?
Even high-efficiency bulbs waste energy lighting empty spaces. Encourage all staff and building occupants to switch lights when they're the last to leave a room or install occupancy or vacancy sensors.
Are you keeping your empty building comfortable after hours?
Adjusting building temperatures is probably the simplest and most effective way to reduce energy use, it's also easily overlooked. Adjust thermostat settings after closing to save energy. Smart thermostats make it easy, automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule while providing advances features, such as remote control.
Is your HVAC system regularly serviced?
Heating and cooling is not only critical for comfort and productivity, it's also the biggest energy expense for many businesses. It makes sense to keep your HVAC system operating at peak performance. Have your heating and cooling system cleaned and inspected at least once per year by a qualified professional. Make sure to change air filters regularly according to manufacturer's guidelines.
Is your building properly sealed?
Air leaks through windows and exterior doors can waste energy and compromise comfort. Hire a qualified professional to check your facility for air leaks and seal them, if needed, with caulk and weatherstripping.
Are plugged-in devices using energy when they're not in use?
Computers, office equipment and other electronic devices often continue to draw power when they're turned off or not in use. This is known as standby power. Enable power management "sleep" settings on all computers and office equipment. Plug electronic devices into advanced power strips or smart plugs, which automatically cut power to unused plugged-in devices.
One final question — have you conducted an energy audit of your facility? Our Energy Efficiency Services team can provide you with a customized set of efficiency improvement opportunities. Request to be contacted by an energy adviser to get started.