Energy Conservation Tips

No-Cost Actions

• Know your electric rate and manage the building’s electric load to take advantage of the rate structure (e.g. turn off equipment when rates are higher);
• Turn off overhead and task lights when not in use;
• Take advantage of daylight from windows and skylights;
• Turn off printers, copiers, coffee machines, and other equipment at end of day;
• Activate sleep mode on computers (see ENERGY STAR®  for details); and
• Turn down thermostat on water heater(s).

Low-Cost Actions

• Use properly set timers or photo sensors for outdoor lighting;
• Use an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts temperature settings to scale back on heating or cooling while you’re away or sleeping.
• Ensure programmable thermostats are programmed correctly. Install a locking cover to prevent tampering;
• Replace filters, clean evaporator and condenser coils and verify proper operation of the economizer on air handlers;
• Replace standard light bulbs with ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent bulbs. For greatest savings, start with light fixtures that are turned on the longest each day;
• Install occupancy sensors in areas where lights frequently are left on when no one is present (e.g.: bathrooms, storage rooms);
• Replace incandescent exit signs with LED or photoluminescent exit signs;
• Install an insulation blanket on your water heater;
• Insulate hot and cold water pipes above the water heater(s); and
• Seal obvious air leaks. Make sure doors and windows have tight seals.

Moderate-Cost Actions

• Seal spaces where mechanical, plumbing and electrical wires and pipes penetrate floors, walls and roofs;
• Seal ductwork and rebalance the HVAC system;
• Add insulation, starting in locations where there is none;
• Plant trees on east, southeast, southwest and west exposures to reduce solar heat gain and reduce glare through windows;
• Purchase efficient ENERGY STAR appliances when replacing old ones; and
• Replace failed electric motors with NEMA Premium® energy-efficiency motors as determined by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association; and
• Replace inefficient Shaded Pole fractional horsepower motors and Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) motors with higher efficiency Electronically Commutated Permanent Magnet (ECPM) motors.

Investment Actions

• Undergo retro-commissioning to ensure existing systems perform as designed;
• Conduct a lighting upgrade for fixtures containing T-12 lamps and magnetic ballasts. Replace with T-8 lamps and electronic ballasts. Replace high-bay high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting with high-intensity fluorescent (HIF) fixtures;
• Install ENERGY STAR roofing material with high reflectance to reduce cooling load;
• Install a refrigerant heat-recovery system to heat domestic hot water if large refrigeration equipment is present; and
• Install a computer-based Energy Management System (EMS) to control heating, ventilation, air conditioning equipment and lighting systems.