Businesses can cut costs and consume energy more intelligently by making a few smart changes with their HVAC system retrofits, upgrades and other carbon footprint programs. Over the years, our team at Atlantic Westchester, Inc., has developed programs to offer continuous energy monitoring services to optimize HVAC system performance and ensure that many aspects of energy consumption in buildings are addressed.
Below, are some tips on how to consume energy intelligently which will lead to saving money in the long run:
1) Companies can consume energy intelligently with their HVAC system
HVAC systems in typical commercial buildings can be responsible for up to 41% of total U.S. energy use, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy—so keeping those systems running at peak efficiency is key to managing your energy usage and cost. To consume energy intelligently, buildings can raise or lower the thermostat two degrees, or as much as comfort allows, to reduce HVAC system run time. Tax and utility incentives are available to help offset the cost.
2) Maintaining a building’s HVAC system is important
Clean, well-operating systems will provide reliable, efficient service during the extreme weather days. Dirty or old, worn out systems will breakdown more often and continually become less efficient with age. Dirty equipment will also have a direct effect on your utility bill as the cost to operate will be higher. Performing a continuous professional and periodic maintenance ensures that the equipment is clean and running at optimum levels.
3) Implementing LED lighting is a quick solution to save energy
LED lighting technology has come a long way in the last few years and the cost to implement has dropped substantially. The replacement lights operate at a cooler temperature than the lights they replace thereby reducing the heat load during cooling season. By implementing LED lighting in offices, companies will reduce their energy costs immediately. Adding LED lights in an office is quick and simple to calculate saved energy consumption. According to Energy Saver, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) consumer resource.
4) Adding solar panels will reduce electricity consumption:
Installing solar panels to a building are an excellent addition if space and layout is favorable. Tax rebates and utility incentives have made it such that installing solar system can be very cost effective. By adding solar panels, the building will generate supplemental electricity allowing the average cost per kilowatt to decrease.
Each building situation is unique, so we develop a cost-effective customized plan that’s tailored to fit your facility. At Atlantic Westchester, we offer system benchmarking, usage assessment, as well as continuous energy monitoring. Make sure your building’s HVAC system is working effectively and most importantly, saving energy year-round.
Bud Hammer is President of Atlantic Westchester, Inc., a commercial and industrial HVAC business located in Bedford Hills, N.Y.
