Energy Saving Tips

You can improve your business' bottom line by taking the following steps to make your office more energy-efficient

Heating & Cooling

• Establish a preventative maintenance program for your heating, venting and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and systems. Ensure that you regularly:
  • Change or clean all air filters, preferably every month.
  • Clean all heat exchanger surfaces, water and refrigerant coils, condensers and evaporators.
  • Repair leaks in piping, air ducts, coils, fittings and at the unit(s).
  • Replace defective equipment insulation, ducting and piping.
     
• When replacing air conditioning units of five tons or greater, purchase units with a high energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 10.5 or more to reduce operating costs for the life of the unit.
   
• Ensure that your contractor performs a "Manual N" calculation to select a properly sized system based on your building load characteristics and specific occupancy needs.
   
• When old motors fail, replace them with premium efficiency motors that operate at a lower annual cost. Ensure you specify the proper sized motor for the application. View cost reduction strategies for motors.
   
• Install variable speed drives (VSDs) on large motor loads, where appropriate, to further reduce energy usage.
   
• Use outside air and water side-economizers for "free cooling" when outside air temperatures and conditions permit - during the spring and fall.
   
• In facilities with older chillers, consider replacing them with new, energy-efficient units that operate at or below .60 kilowatts per ton. View a chilled water system analysis tool to improve efficiency.

source: srpnet.com