Top Energy Saving Tips
We all know that reducing energy use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is good for your pocket and good for the environment. But, where do we start? What can we do? What has the biggest impact? What is the easiest? Can reducing energy usage be cost effective? These practical ideas are easy to implement, are low cost or, in many cases, no cost (just little changes in the way we do things) and have an immediate impact on your wallet and the environment.
1: Turn off lights and equipment Encourage staff to turn off lights and equipment when they are not in use. Seems obvious, but high power costs often include paying for energy that is completely wasted.
2: Relamping
Energy can be saved by having a relamping program in place. When lights get older they continue to use energy even when producing very little or no light. A relamping program can ensure that your lights are always at their peak performance and have an even colour. Relamping programs have also proven to save substantial money in maintenance costs, making it much more cost effective for organisations.
3: Turn off your computer monitor Encourage staff to turn off their computer monitor when at a meeting or out for lunch. You will save more than half the energy used by the computer and there will be no start-up time when you turn the monitor back on. LCD monitors are much more efficient than CRT monitors, so purchase these when replacing computers.
4: Comparing Products When purchasing new equipment & appliances, compare the alternative products available, to find one that not only does the job well, but is also energy efficient. Many appliances have their energy efficiency ratings readily available.
5: Install LED signs Install LED (light-emitting diode) exit signs. A new LED exit sign fixture costs about $200, and will still save about 90% over incandescent bulbs' operating costs. It will also will last decades, give brighter light, and end risky ladder climbing to replace globes. There will also be substantial savings on maintenance costs.
6: Plug the leaks Plug the leaks with weather stripping and caulking; another cheap "do-it-yourself" job. Caulking and weather stripping let you manage your ventilation, which is the desirable, deliberately controlled exchange of stuffy inside air for fresher outdoor air. "Air infiltration" in the uncontrolled "leaking" or exchange of inside air (which you paid to heat or cool) at a high rate through cracks around windows, doors, utility switches/outlets, and any other holes between the inside and outside. This can make heating or cooling a building very expensive, and still leave it uncomfortable; "drafty" or "clammy.
7: Make sensors automatically turn off Install "occupant sensors" in the proper locations to automatically turn off lighting when no one is present, and back on when they return. Sensors add convenience as well as save money. But, even good equipment can be installed wrong. It must be able to "see" the motion of occupant approaching an unlit area to turn on the light before, or as they enter. The savings come when people leave an area, and the sensor ensures that the lights are always, automatically turned off, until someone returns.
8: Heating/Air Conditioning systems for optimal performance Tune up your Heating/Air Conditioning systems for optimal performance and set the temperature for a little cooler in Winter (eg 20C) and slightly warmer in Summer (eg 24C). This can save considerable costs without being unnecessarily uncomfortable for the occupants. Ensure filters are regularly cleaned and/or replaced.
9: Keep your windows closed. Keep windows and doors closed when the heating/air-conditioning is on.
10: Install timers Install timers to switch off office lights automatically at night, on the weekends, during holidays, and in offices where no one is working.
11: Energy Saving Apparatus There are some great energy saving options available for lighting and air conditioning systems. Whilst there is some initial outlay involved, some of these can very quickly (under three years) pay for themselves just by the energy saved. FL Electrical can advise you on some of these options.