Energy costs are one of the largest expenditures when running a commercial building. By reducing energy consumption, you will not only lower your bill payments, but you’ll be having a positive effect on the environment. In this article we’ll over over some of the ways you can reduce energy consumption in a commercial building.
Use LED Lights
Energy consumption due to lighting is one of the easiest variables to control when it comes to commercial buildings. If the lights aren’t already being turned off when the building is empty, this is a good place to start. The second best method for energy savings from lighting is to switch to LED lights. LEDs can last up to five times longer than other light sources while using significantly less electricity.
Improve Your HVAC System
New technologies for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems have greatly improved their energy efficiency. With the addition of automated controls, an updated HVAC system can cut your energy costs considerably. The latest systems will allow you to control the conditions of individual rooms while simultaneously improving the building’s air quality.
Replace Aging Appliances
Older appliances can use an extraordinary amount of energy compared to their modern counterparts. A refrigerator that’s 20 years old can use up to 75% more energy than a newer model. Similar statistics are found for vending machines, freezers and air conditioning units. The cost to replace an aging appliance can easily be recovered by savings in energy costs within a couple of years.
Eliminate Phantom Power
Many modern appliances such as TVs, printers and video players continue to use power even when they are turned off. Although the amount of this phantom power used by each appliance is not a lot, it adds up when you consider every piece of equipment in the building. Attaching these appliances to power bars offers users an easy way to switch off all these appliances at once. There are also “smart plugs” now available which allow you to both monitor the energy flowing through each electrical outlet and program them to cut the power when not in use.
Install Motion Sensors
Motion sensors connected to lighting systems are an easy way to make sure lights are turned off when not in use. No longer will you have to hound the building’s occupants to switch off the lights when they leave the room.
