10 Things I Know About Energy Efficiency
Todd McCabe is a project executive with Consigli Construction Co. Inc. in Milford. He can be reached at tmccabe@consigli.com.
10. Know Your Building
An energy audit will expose inadequacies, and modern technology like thermal imaging can spot invisible signs of exterior envelope failure.
9. Get With The Program
Many buildings adjust heating and cooling set points for the different seasons. Make sure you’ve reviewed your building’s programming to verify it’s been adjusted for winter temperatures.
8. Keep The Outside Out
New, energy-efficient windows can make a big difference, but if they fall outside of the budget, try simply replacing the weather-stripping.
7. Barrier Buildup
Adding insulation in exposed areas like the attic of a building, or using modern spray-foam insulation, can offer another layer of protection against losing hot air or letting cold air in.
6. Get Smart
Smart lighting, or those systems that have built in motion sensors, are a good upgrade at any time of the year, but can become particularly important when heating costs start to rise.
5. Invest In Recovery
Energy recovery units, including more efficient VAV boxes and heat pumps, can provide a return on investment in the form of more intelligent energy use management.
4. On Leave
When you leave the office, turn everything off — lights, laptops, copiers and any other non-mission critical equipment. This can offer opportunities for cost savings.
3. Seal The Deal
Building envelopes often hide deficiencies that cannot be seen. Older building systems should be investigated to make sure they are functioning properly.
2. In Synch
HVAC systems often synchronize with any number of conditions in a building, like the A/C turning off when a window is open. Make sure any programmed shut-downs tied into reaching set points are programmed correctly.
1. A Bright Idea
Fluorescent light bulbs are one of the easiest improvements you can make to cut energy bills and offset winter heating costs — just remember to turn them off when not in use.
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