TOP THINGS TO LOOK FOR TO IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS'S ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The following list is designed to help you maximize your business’s energy efficiency. These recommendations should assist you in concentrating your efforts to areas of the business where you may be experiencing the most energy loss or may see the most improvement.

• Have Your HVAC System Serviced
  Having your heating and cooling system inspected by a licensed HVAC contractor every six months will keep the system in top condition for the next season of use.

• Improve Ductwork
  Use mastic at all joints and around the main unit to insure there are no leaks of conditioned air. Straighten ducts that are bent and restricting air flow.

• Set Thermostat - Incentive available!
  For summer use, a setting of 78 degrees is recommended; for winter use, a setting of 68 degrees is recommended. Use of programmable thermostats for air conditioning units to raise or lower the temperature during non-business hours will aid in reducing bills.

• Upgrade Lighting
  The use of more energy efficient lighting can lower power consumption.  Use lower wattage fluorescent bulbs when replacing burnt out-bulbs.  Upgrade to t-8 ballasts when replacing old ballasts. 

• Facility Maintenance
  Implement a facility maintenance plan to keep all of your equipment running at maximum efficiency.  Equipment that is not properly maintained will cost more to operate.

• Lights Out
  Turn off lights in rooms when no one is present.  Door switches, infrared motion sensors and other devices can be used to automatically turn the lights out when no one is present.  Also reduce the number bulbs in common areas where permitted.

• Stop Leaks
  Make sure there are no leaks in air or water systems in use in your facility.  Air leaks lead to additional compressor usage and inefficient operation of pneumatic equipment.  A leaky faucet, especially on the hot water side, can lead to additional costs in water heater operation.

• Point of Use Water Heaters
  If your facility still uses a large tank-style water heater to supply hot water to only a couple of sinks in the building, consider point of use water heaters.  They only run when needed and do not cycle throughout the day like a tank-style heater does.  

• Insulation and Weather-stripping
  A continuous barrier of insulation should be in place between warehouses and inner offices and in the attics of converted homes. Weather-stripping should be in place on all exterior doors and doors exiting into warehouse/storage areas.

• Interior Shading
  Use blinds, tinting, or drapes to block the heat from the summer sun.

• Exterior Shading
  Planting trees/shrubs, window/door awnings, or special window/glass films will help to block direct sun in the summer.

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