Fresh Energy Systems

Energy Efficiency

INTRODUCTION

Before considering a renewable electric system, energy conservation and efficiency measures should be researched and implemented to the maximum extent practical. Everyone can save energy simply by turning off lights or making an investment in energy-saving equipment and appliances.

There are six key steps to developing an action plan that will minimize (conserve) energy use, maximize efficiency and extend the lifetime of your long-term investments:

DO THE RESEARCH
AUDIT YOUR ENERGY USAGE
DEVELOP A RETROFIT PLAN
DO “NO-COST” SOLUTIONS FIRST
MAKE “LOW-COST” CHANGES NEXT
INVEST IN ENERGY SAVING (PRODUCING) APPLIANCES & EQUIPMENT

DO THE RESEARCH

Look for trends in your past energy consumption and usage (winter vs. summer)
Determine the maximum kilowatts used each month and note any additional energy surcharges above baseline usage.
Determine what percentage of your disposable income or business profit is the electric utility cost.
Check out the U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR Website (www.epa.gov/smallbiz).
Visit your local utility’s website for specific information and resources.

AUDIT YOUR ENERGY USAGE

You can begin saving money immediately by assessing various areas of your home or business:

Water Use and Water Heating
Refrigeration
Building or Facility
Heating, Ventilation and Cooling

DEVELOP A RETROFIT PLAN

A comprehensive retrofit plan consists of “no-cost” changes, “low-cost” measures and “energy efficient appliance and equipment investments.”

DO “NO-COST” SOLUTIONS FIRST

How much can you save? That depends upon your climate, the size and shape of your building and how many hours per week energy is being used. Everyone can save immediately by following these recommendations.

Lighting —

Turn off any unused lights
Use task lighting where possible

Office Equipment and Appliances —

Turn off equipment at night and when it is not in use for long periods of time.
Network computers to avoid unnecessary equipment being left on.
Utilize energy saving software options.
Turn off monitors when not in use.

Heating, Ventilation, Cooling —

Simply operate the system less often!
Set the thermostat to a lower temperature in the winter and a higher temperature in the summer. A change of only a couple of degrees can decrease energy usage as much as five to ten percent.
Make sure fan switch is set to ‘auto’ rather than ‘on’ so the fan cycles only when heating or cooling is supplied.
Reset timers after power outages or daylight savings time changes.
Clean heat transfer coils of condensers in air conditioners and chillers.
Straighten all bent coils
Check to make sure leaves aren’t obstructing outdoor coils
Clean out filters monthly during peak season so your system is running only when necessary.

Hot Water Heater —

Lower the thermostat (e.g. 120oF - 130oF)
Follow manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations (e.g. flush yearly, check/adjust burners)
Fix leaks or dripping faucets.

Refrigeration —

Keep doors closed.
Check that temperature settings are not too low.
Do not overload or under load units.
Clean cooling coils.
Check door seals for tightness.
Shorten defrost cycles and defrost more frequently to avoid ice build-up.
Position units away from heat sources and with good natural ventilation.
Turn off lights in coolers.

Building Checks —

Close all windows and drapes in the summer and open them in the winter to keep heat out or let it in.
Make sure windows and doors are shut tightly when running your HVAC system.
Close down areas of your building which are not being used.
Consider changing usage hours to take advantage of lower cost electricity at off-peak times.

MAKE “LOW-COST” CHANGES NEXT

Lighting —

A survey should be conducted to evaluate current space lighting levels.
Incandescent bulbs should be replaced with compact fluorescent bulbs (four times more efficient and can last 8-20 times longer).
Use electronic ballasts instead of magnetic ones. They eliminate flickering and are 30% more efficient.
Reduce lighting costs by replacing old mercury vapor fixtures with high pressure sodium and metal halide fixtures.
Halogen lamps may replace floodlights with better, focused light.
Install automatic motion sensors that turn on lights when a moving object is detected. Automatic dimming systems that adjust lamp output are becoming popular.

HVAC Maintenance —

Regular heating, ventilation and air conditioning maintenance checks such as filter cleaning and/or replacement maximizes system performance and reduces airborne allergens.
Inspect ducts and piping for leaks, missing or damaged insulation and make the identified repairs.
Repair old valves and steam traps that may leak-off or blow-by.
Install programmable thermostats that specialize in single (small) unit environmental control 24/7. Some thermostats come equipped with manual override features and locking enclosures to prevent tampering and reprogramming.
For larger systems such as boilers and chillers, an energy management system can be used to provide savings in many other ways.

Hot Water Heating —

Install a timer that regulates the hours that the water heater operates.
Shut down circulation pumps when the heater is not in use.
Insulate your tank and pipes that run out from the heater if they are warm to the touch.

Building Checks —

Check timers, thermostats, filters, windows, doors and seals to insure peak efficiency.
Insulate windows with roller shades, Venetian blinds (solar reflection) and draperies reduce heat gain.
Awnings and trees can also reduce summer heat gains.
Install window films to prevent 61-80% of the incoming solar radiation from entering the building in the summer and 19-44% decrease in the escape of indoor heat during winter.
Check windows, doors, and walls for cracks, leaks or breaks in the seal, surface or contact points.
Make sure doors and windows seal properly.

Office Equipment —

Purchase Energy Star labeled equipment which will power down when not in use (1-888-STAR-YES).
The power management feature is set to the lowest setting. Laptops can be used during outages.
Large monitors use more energy, however Energy Star equipment powers down to 30 watts.
Energy Star printers sleep when idle. Networking systems reduces the need for multiple printers.
Fax machines have double-side scanning and power management features as well.
Size the right copier for the required output.

INVEST IN PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS
(HIGH EFFICIENCY EQUIPMENT)
SUCH AS A RENEWABLE ELECTRIC SYSTEM!

Consider replacing or upgrading your heating/cooling systems, refrigeration, motors, generators and pump systems if they are more then ten years old.
Complete a full assessment BEFORE making high-dollar changes to fully understand your options, expected costs and return on the investment (Get at least three bids and/or client references).

HVAC —

Consider how air circulation affects your building’s energy usage (HVAC systems consume almost 40% of the electric energy used).
Heat pumps consist of two general types: ground source (geothermal) pumps and evaporation coolers.
Replacement and/or upgrades require building (size) calculations and a significant amount of research, planning and budgeting.

Refrigeration —

Upgrade your “rack” system with a floating head pressure system which allow the compressor to work less when it is cool outside (20-30% savings).

Purchase Renewable Electric Systems —

Install PV and/or Wind Turbine Systems to spin your Utility meter backwards and/or charge your batteries!
Emerging technology, huge rebates and tax credits including depreciation and low-interest financing make PV, wind and hybrid systems a slam dunk!

Check out our affiliate website: FRESH Training Concepts