Five fast tips for controlling energy costs
By Catherine Stanley
Commercial and industrial businesses are New England's largest energy consumers. Understanding and managing the role of energy efficiency in the daily operations of any business can save significant amounts of money in energy related costs, while improving occupant comfort and reducing pollution.
Businesses in newly constructed buildings can save 50 percent or more in energy costs by employing various efficiency designs and technologies, while retrofitting and improved maintenance can save older businesses 30 percent or more.
Lighting
Lighting accounts for the largest source of energy use in the commercial sector. New lighting technologies such as High Performance T8 (HPT8) lamp fixtures and ballasts typically reduce lighting costs by as much as 40 percent, compared to older T12 and even standard T8 systems. HPT8 systems use less energy to provide a higher light quality than standard systems. And with a longer life span, HPT8s save money not only in energy costs, but also in operations and maintenance costs. For more information about high efficiency lighting, including financial incentives available from your local utility, visit www.designlights.org
Replacing incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in recessed can lighting fixtures will provide additional energy cost savings. CFLs use at least 20 percent less energy than incandescent lamps. They also provide greater color rendering to improve appearance and occupant comfort, give off less heat and last up to eight times longer than standard lamps.
The heat reduction is reflected in lower coding costs.
Heating and Cooling
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) represent the second highest source of energy use in commercial buildings. High efficiency HVAC systems, including units designated with a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 15 or an energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 12 and above use as much as 30 percent less energy than units that meet minimum standards. In addition to purchasing high efficiency HVAC units (for which your local utility may provide financial incentives), proper application and calibration of HVAC system controls will also contribute to lower energy costs.
Motors
Electric motors in commercial settings have a considerable impact on energy costs. Today's high energy prices make the operational efficiency of a motor that runs for hundreds of hours annually far more significant than the purchase cost. Motors certified by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association as "NEMA Premium" are four percent more efficient than standard motors. Over the lifetime of the equipment, this increased efficiency contributes greatly to reduced energy use and lower costs. Now more than ever it makes sense to replace rather than repair motors.
Energy Controls
There are many ways to automatically control energy use in commercial settings to reduce costs, including occupancy sensors to regulate lighting use; programmable thermostats, demand control ventilation, economizers and distribution optimizers to manage heating and cooling systems; and variable frequency drives to control motor speed and match the energy output to the load being served. Comprehensive energy management systems can lead to energy cost savings of up to 30 percent. Contact your local utility for more information, including any available financial assistance.
Operations and Maintenance
Properly operating and maintaining building equipment and systems is an effective way to manage costs by ensuring optimal energy efficiency and prolonging equipment life. Well designed operations and maintenance strategies can save up to 20 percent or more in energy costs. These include: turning off roof-top exhaust fans during times when the building is empty and changing HVAC filters at least twice a year, using pleated filters with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of six or higher, and properly using existing controls and energy management systems.
Catherine Stanley is an executive with the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships.
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