Energy Management

Kenergy is committed to providing helpful, up-to-date information for commercial and industrial members. Below are commercial building energy conservation recommendations. You may also find helpful the U.S. Department of Energy's business section at http://www.energy.gov, including information on motor sizing, maintenance and energy-saving tips.

Commercial energy-saving recommendations

Building envelope:

• Add insulation where needed.
• Upgrade existing single-pane windows with double-pane or storm windows.
• Repair poorly fitting windows and doors.
• Install door sweeps under all exterior doors.
• Caulk and weatherstrip around all windows, doors, through-the-wall equipment and other penetrations to outside.
• Install automatic doors in vestibules if possible. Install flexible moldings and rubber strips around overhead doors.
• Install plastic doors and entrances to refrigeration and storage areas.
• Minimize window and door openings.
• Seal ducts and access doors in equipment rooms to minimize bypass of hot and cold air.
• Install heat recovery systems where possible.

Heating:

• Lower thermostat setting to 72 degrees. Each degree less saves 4 percent on heating costs.
• Use night setback on heating system during unoccupied hours.
• Check and calibrate all automatic temperature controls.
• Keep air movement in and out of heating units unobstructed.
• Perform routine maintenance, such as change filters, clean all fans, coils, heating elements and controls.
• Add insulation to existing pipes, tanks and ducts.
• Locate thermostats away from outside walls, drafts and equipment.
• Install key-lock covers on all thermostats to prevent unnecessary adjustments.
• Install enclosures around rooftop units to reduce radiation and wind losses from exposed ducts.
• Cluster heating equipment and locate away from cooling equipment.
• Consider zoning with an energy management system in larger applications.
• Consider heat recovery systems in larger applications.
• Install thermostat controls on all heating equipment.
• Use exhaust fans only when necessary.
• Install insulated window coverings on large glass areas.
• Set temperature back one hour prior to closing.
• Use spot heaters in areas having large volume and low occupancy.

Cooling:

• Insulate duct system and seal or tape duct joints.
• Perform routine maintenance such as: change filters regularly; clean fans, coils, compressor, controls, etc.
• Use ceiling fan instead of air conditioning where possible.
• Raise thermostat setting as high as comfort will allow. Each degree above 78 saves 8 percent in cooling costs.
• Turn off unnecessary cooking and heating units.
• Shade windows from direct sunlight by installing canopies, awnings, etc.
• Install reflective film on windows and utilize drapes, blinds, etc.
• Clean evaporator and condenser coils regularly.
• Keep air movement in and out of cooling units unobstructed.
• Consider replacing inefficient air conditioning equipment with high-efficiency units.
• Use night setback on cooling system during unoccupied hours.
• Use fresh air when temperature permits.
• Set temperature up one hour prior to closing.

Ventilation:

• Use fresh air ventilation instead of heating and cooling when possible.
• Cover all windows and through-the-wall units when not in use.
• Properly size exhaust hoods.
• Install baffles to prevent wind and debris from blowing directly into an outdoor intake.
• Install a grille on the equipment room door to provide adequate inside air as opposed to outside air.
• Inspect HVAC units for cleanliness and unobstructed air flow.
• In the summer, use full outdoor ventilation at night to pre-cool the building and reduce air conditioning load.
• Consider revolving doors.
• Install automatic door closers.
• Install a vestibule.
• Transfer air from clean areas to bathrooms and smoking rooms rather than supplying fresh air to all areas.

Lighting:

• Install energy-efficient, low-wattage fixtures and electronic ballasts.
• Consider a group relamping schedule in larger applications.
• Clean and maintain lighting system to ensure lighting efficiency.
• Maintain proper light levels. Do not overlight.
• Increase light effectiveness by installing special lenses for better light distribution.
• Consider lowering fixtures closer to task to provide proper illumination at reduced wattage.
• Replace incandescent with fluorescent or high-pressure sodium.
• Revise switch circuits to permit turning off unnecessary lights. Consider installing occupancy sensors.
• Reduce light levels to a minimum after closing.
• Remove lights over storage racks and other areas that are not used as often.
• Maintain clean building interior to maximize reflective quality.
• Eliminate excessive exterior lighting such as security, facade, canopy and advertising lights.
• Install photocells on all exterior lights.
• Consider leasing outdoor lighting.

Water heating:

• Turn water heater thermostat to lowest possible setting.
• Insulate water heater, water pipes and lines.
• Use cold water for tasks if possible.
• Use night setback or turn off water heater at night.
• Install water heater near maximum point of use.
• Install hot water heat recovery system.

Machines:

• Turn off all motors if possible, including photocopiers, computers and elevators.
• Adjust controls to a temperature, speed or other setting that uses less energy.
• Use equipment to its fullest capacity.
• Maintain and repair worn parts of equipment.
• Avoid use of unnecessary equipment during high peak times.
• Choose energy-efficient, properly sized equipment when replacing.
• Consider using waste heat. Excess processed heat may be used to help warm a building or heat water.