Simple Energy Savings Tips for Businesses

Small, straightforward changes can go a long way. Below are some common actions that commercial customers can take to help increase energy savings.

Lighting

Replace traditional light sources with energy efficient LED technology.

Installing LED exit signs can save about $10 per sign on electricity costs each year.

Occupancy sensors turn lights on when someone enters a room, and off when it becomes vacant. Installing occupancy sensors can save between 15-30% on lighting costs.

Exterior lighting is a great opportunity for significant savings and rebates. Traditional exterior metal halide lamps are notoriously inefficient. Upgrade your outdoor lights to LEDs and watch how fast the savings add up.

HVAC

Regular maintenance and annual tune-ups on HVAC systems helps equipment run at optimal levels and reduces the chance of emergency service calls.

Reduce the call for heating and cooling – install a programmable thermostat and set temperatures higher in the summer and lower in the winter during hours when the building is unoccupied.

Control direct sun through windows with screens, films, awnings or vegetation

Consider the non-energy impacts of properly maintaining your HVAC system: Consistent indoor temperatures help building occupants stay comfortable.

Refrigeration & Food Service

ENERGY STAR® certified refrigerators and freezers can save 45% more energy than conventional models.

Upgrading all food service equipment to ENERGY STAR models will save hundreds of dollars each year in electricity costs.

Regularly clean exhaust vents, heating coils and burners to ensure dust and debris aren’t preventing equipment from operating efficiently at the proper load.

Install automatic vending machine controls

Motors and VSDs

Minor increases in motor efficiency (just 1-4% higher than standard models) can produce major energy savings, since motors tend to operate long hours.

Consider installing variable speed drives (VSDs) on motors and HVAC equipment to eliminate using equipment at 100% capacity. This will reduce unnecessary load and save energy.

For low- and no-cost energy-efficiency measures, check out these tips from ENERGY STAR.

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