Annual Energy Review: Seven Things to Look For

This is information provided by the Jackson Municipal Utilities Questline Newsletter. It's great information for every business to know. Consider upgrades where needed in your business and contact the City office for information about their new Loan Incentive Program for Bright Energy Solutions(R) Projects. More about that in our next Blog.

 

Annual Energy Review: Seven Things to Look For

Key Points

• Performing an annual energy review will help you spot cost-saving opportunities.
• Start by benchmarking your energy use and examining your major building systems.
• Specific areas to look at include building controls, plug loads, maintenance practices and personal appliance use. 

Source: www.energy.gov

Annual energy reviews help to identify cost-saving opportunities and increase overall building efficiency. Start by finding out how your facility's energy use stacks up against similar facilities. Examine your utility bills over the last three years and compare your energy consumption using the Commercial or Industrial Energy Benchmark tools. 
While large building systems are a logical next step in an annual review, there are a number of other areas that can also have a significant impact on your energy costs. As you examine your facility, look for the following: 

1. T12 lamps. Are there T12 fluorescent lamps in your office or production areas? As of July 2012, most T12 lights are no longer manufactured for sale in the United States due to federal energy-efficiency regulations. While there is no requirement for facilities to switch, maintaining T12 lighting systems will become increasingly difficult and expensive. Now is a perfect time to make the move to higher efficiency T8 or T5 bulbs.
2. Building controls. Are your building controls properly tuned? Energy-management systems can substantially reduce operating costs, but it is easy to forget about them once they are up and running. This can be a costly mistake. Over time, sensors, thermostats and other controls can become out of tune. Ensure that all energy-management system components are calibrated properly and updated to reflect seasonal changes and occupancy schedules.
3. Plug loads. While all electrical devices are plugged in, plug load is the energy used by computers, office equipment, vending machines and similar devices. Plug load accounts for up to 30 percent of the electricity used in commercial buildings and much of it is wasted. To reduce plug load, turn off equipment on nights and weekends, and use power management settings on computers and office equipment. Network all printers and use timers to shut down vending machines and other break room devices.
4. Landscaping. Take a look at the area outside your facility. A well-designed landscape can reduce cooling costs by 15 to 50 percent and heating bills by 25 to 40 percent, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Leafy trees on the south and east sides of your building will provide cooling shade in the summer while evergreen trees on the north and west sides will reduce heating costs by protecting your facility from cold, winter winds. It may take some time, but the rewards could be worth the wait. 
5. Maintenance. Maintenance is often reactive and limited to repairs and keeping equipment operating effectively. Scheduled, preventive maintenance strategies for lighting and building systems can save on energy costs and keep building occupants comfortable and productive all year long. A successful preventive maintenance program requires written procedures, training and documentation. For more information, see Energy Smart Building Maintenance.  
6. Fan system performance. While fan systems are critical to indoor comfort and productivity, making them work harder than necessary wastes energy. Matching airflow to your actual needs can save on operating costs and improve your indoor environment. Variable-frequency drives can reduce energy losses by slowing fan speeds during periods of low demand. Switching to inlet vane dampers can help reduce overall fan load. Regular cleaning and routine belt inspection and tightening can increase fan system efficiency.
7. Personal appliances. While personal appliances, such as space heaters and mini-refrigerators, can increase employee comfort and convenience, they are difficult to control from an energy-management standpoint. Widespread use of these appliances can increase your utility costs substantially. Establish policies that limit the use of personal appliances or discourage their use by maintaining a comfortable work environment and providing access to appliances in common areas, such as break rooms.  

For a more detailed evaluation, spend a few minutes with the Facility Assessment Wizard. After a short interview process, you will receive a detailed report addressing your facility's needs, challenges and opportunities.