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Learn how to save on energy costs in your business with tips on lighting upgrades, HVAC efficiency, and resourceful tools. Discover the best practices and products that can help you improve your bottom line while benefiting the environment.
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E2=P2 Add Energy Efficiency to your P2 Toolbox Peter Crawford Vermont Small Business Development Center Regulatory Assistance Program www.vtsbdc.org
Good Environmental Manangement = Good Business $ense • Energy Efficiency Improvements frequently have the highest return on investment possible (usually loan cash flow positive) • Don’t just pay electric bills, examine them for conservation opportunities
Demand Side Management • Reduced demand = lower electric bills • Business pay an additional surcharge on KW demand (15 min. peak/month) • Some utilities have off peak vs. peak demand pricing (switch big KW users to off peak) • Switch big KW users to alternative fuel (electric to gas hot water heater) • Peak Shaving for industrial users • Get rid of any electric baseboard heaters!
ENERGY USE - Lighting • Fluorescents – new Super T-8 electronic ballast fluorescents use 30+% less energy than older style fluorescent fixtures* • Compact Fluorescents* – last up to 10X longer than incandescent bulbs, use ~1/3 of the energy (not economical to use with dimmers). Lots of selection nowadays. * Flicker Checker: 800-MLI-0089
ENERGY USE - Lighting Exterior lighting: • Switch to motion sensors and/or Compact Fluorescent flood lights • Photocells run lights ~4300+ hours per year (twin 150 watt floods on photo uses ~$150+/yr) • Compact security type lights: 9-70 watts = 680-6400 lumens for <$25 each, uses $5-$36/yr. • Lots of selection nowadays! • Metal Halide & Sodium (replace & recycle Hg vapor lamps)
Energy Efficient Lighting • Recommend energy efficient lighting for lights left on for more than 6 hours/day. • T-5 High bay fluorescents (~225 watts/ea.) vs. 1000 watt Metal Halides The Sheraton Hotel in Burlington Saved: $13,610 in one year through energy efficient lighting upgrades.
ENERGY USE - Lighting • Many areas are over lighted • Use light meter to determine if area is over lighted (20-50 foot candles=office) • Use task lighting where appropriate • Retro-fit Exit signs (incandescent or fluorescent) with LED, uses 5.4 watts, lasts 10+ years! $15.00 www.efi.org. Replacement exit sign=$25+, uses 2 watts, lasts 25 years
ENERGY USE - Lighting Lighting Controls: • Motion sensors (in less used areas) • Occupancy sensors (adjust from default) • Dimmers (use what you need) • Rewiring ceiling fluorescent to switch to % of room coverage vs. halves • Timers – can switch use to off peak
Energy Use - General • Commercial Coffee makers’ heating elements run 24/7 even when turned off – place on timers • Insulate all basement hot water pipes, run water at 120-130 F max. • Replace worn door weather strip • Use pool insulation covers at night • Use ENERGY STAR equipment
Energy - Refrigeration • Why not use NE winter temperatures to cool product with an “Economiser”? • Older compressors, evaporators and fans can be far less efficient (>10+ yrs. old) • Are compressors well ventilated? Dust free? • Cooling empty space? Keep coolers/freezers full or downsize units • Replace hot walk-in incandescent light bulbs with cool compact fluorescent bulbs • Stand alone beverage coolers very inefficient
Energy – Heating/Cooling • Programmable set-back thermostats can save 10%+ for a 10F+ setback • Use Premium, high efficiency motors for >1 hp, 3 phase motor replacement (~2-3% more efficient than standard grade) • Variable speed drives on larger motor & circulation pumps
E2 Resources • DOE software Tools: www.oit.doe.gov/bestpractices/software_tools.shtml • Energy Federation Inc. E2 Products: www.efi.org/ • Energy Star: www.energystar.gov • Energy Guide E2 Products: www.energyguide.com (also has a detailed business energy analyzer) • Energy Efficiency Pays-A Guide for Small Businesses: www.asbdc-us.org/energy_efficiency.pdf • Lighting Retro-fit Calculator: www.goodenergy.com/electricity_consulting_products/lighting_retrofit_saving_calculator.asp