Energy-Saving Tips for Business and Industry

Key Points

· Turn computers off or place in sleep mode when not in use.
· Consider the use of lighting controls, such as timers and occupancy sensors.
· Proper operational and maintenance procedures will maximize boiler efficiency.

Here are the top ways that your company can save money on energy bills. In many cases, Rocky Mountain Power offers cash incentives and technical expertise help your business upgrade to more efficient lighting, heating, cooling & other equipment recommended here.

In the Office

• Turn computers off or place in sleep mode when not in use. Contrary to popular belief, it is not good for desktop computers to run 24/7 and even new models use significant amounts of electricity. Turn off TVs in unoccupied break and waiting rooms.
  
• Turn the lights off whenever they are not being used, or use sensor devices to turn lights on and off. Many retail establishments have learned they can turn off up to half their overhead lights without a problem, and most offices are over-lighted. If your business is closed at night, leave on only enough lights for security. Motion sensors, timers, and other simple lighting controls can turn lights on and off according to occupancy and time of day.
  
• Maintain your HVAC - Most of your energy bill comes from heating and cooling. Simple maintenance such as replacing dirty air filters and cleaning intake screens, condenser coils, supply registers, and return grills can make a difference in your energy bills. Also, inspect your duct work. Repair damaged or disconnected ducts, make sure duct joints and elbows are well sealed, and insulate duct work in unconditioned spaces.
  
• Heating, Ventilation and Cooling - Energy efficiency in heating and cooling can be improved through the use of automatic thermostats and intelligent building controls, natural ventilation techniques, duct insulation, and advanced technologies, such as desiccant dehumidification and radiant heating. For boiler systems, consider energy saving add-ons, such as economizers, air preheaters, and turulators, or newer and more energy efficient systems.
  
• Water Heating - Appropriate tank insulation can help to improve the energy performance of existing water heaters and older units can be retrofitted with newer, more efficient models. Significant energy savings can be achieved through the use of water conservation technologies, such as aerated faucets and low-flow shower heads.
  
• Lighting - Energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), as well as T-5 and T-8 lamps, can save significant amounts of energy over older incandescent or T-12 applications. Light-emitting-diodes (LEDs) are an energy efficient choice for exit signs and other displays. Consider also the use of controls such as timers and occupancy sensors. For new builds or reconstruction projects, consider daylighting techniques.
  
• Building Envelope - The building envelope is what separates your indoor environment from the outdoor elements, and includes walls, ceilings, doors, and windows. Replacing your insulation with better-performing material (measured in R-value) is one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency. Other innovative technologies include high-efficiency windows, foundations with insulated concrete slabs, and advanced framing techniques, as well as cool or reflective roofs.
  

In the Industrial Setting

• Replace an oversized motor - When a motor's nameplate horsepower is significantly higher than the power load it is driving, the efficiency of the motor is greatly reduced.
  
• Considerations for Improving Chiller Efficiency - Chillers can provide the most efficient cooling for larger facilities.
  
• Boiler Maintenance Strategies that Save Money - Widely used in industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities, boilers are a major source of fuel consumption. Technology advances in recent decades have led to significant improvement in boiler operating efficiency. In order to gain the full benefits of these improvements, building managers must institute a comprehensive system of boiler monitoring, testing, and maintenance. Without proper operational and maintenance procedures, boiler efficiency will decline rapidly.
  
• Save Energy by Switching to Variable Frequency Drives – A variable frequency drive that adjusts the shaft speed to the driven load can accommodate this speed reduction. Slowing a pump or fan in this manner reduces energy consumption much more effectively than allowing the motor to run at constant speed and then restricting or bypassing the flow with a valve or damper.
  

For more information

Rocky Mountain Power’s free Business Solutions Toolkit which can be viewed at is an excellent resource to help you manage your energy costs. The Toolkit includes an extensive inventory of energy efficiency ideas, a concise online energy audit that delivers customized recommendations, the interactive “Ask an Expert” service and other useful tools.

Source: Rocky Mountain Power and Tech Resources Inc. General Energy Savings Tips for Businesses