Improving energy efficiency in buildings can lead to major cost savings and environmental benefits. Nevertheless, there are some methods that require large upfront investments that deter building owners and managers. Fortunately, various low-cost and no-cost strategies can enhance efficiency at minimal expense.
Analyze Energy Usage Patterns
The first step towards enhancing efficiency entails understanding current energy usage. Building owners ought to review utility bills to identify usage fluctuations at various times of day or year. Doing so illustrates when and where the most energy gets consumed. Owners can then target high-usage areas for efficiency improvements. Installing sub-meters in specific zones further helps analyze patterns. With energy-use data, owners can calculate savings potential and payback times for upgrades.
Perform Tuning and Maintenance
Many low-cost tuning and maintenance fixes provide considerable savings. For instance, cleaning and calibrating sensors ensure building automation systems run efficiently. Adjusting ventilation rates to occupancy levels or the seasons also curtails energy waste. Moreover, routinely replacing filters protects equipment and sustains optimal performance.
Install Smart Lighting Solutions
Intelligent lighting modifications substantially affect efficiency. Switching to LED or CFL bulbs cuts lighting loads by 75 percent or more. Dimmers and vacancy sensors that power lights on and off as needed offer additional savings. Timers or software synchronizing lights with circadian rhythms also help. Smart lighting redesigns tender huge efficiency gains for marginal upfront investment.
Adjust Thermostat Setpoints
Heating and cooling represent a structure’s biggest energy users. During cold months, lowering the thermostat just one degree Fahrenheit typically decreases heating energy usage by 3 percent. Dropping the setting ten degrees overnight or during unoccupied periods saves much more. Similarly, raising summertime cooling thermostats by only a few degrees lessens energy demands substantially. Programmable thermostats easily facilitate such adjustments automatically based around occupancy schedules. Wise temperature modifications, therefore, provide simple yet dramatic efficiency gains.
Add Insulation
Extending insulation in walls, attics, basements, and exposed ducts receives consistent praise from energy experts as a low-cost, high-impact measure. Upgrading insulation requires modest initial investment; an EPS manufacturer like the good folk at Epsilyte can advise cost-effective options. However, the ensuing reductions in heat loss and gain prevent huge utility costs year after year. The Department of Energy appraises adding attic insulation as being so cost-effective that most upgrades pay for themselves in under three years. All buildings warrant insulation inspection and upgrades wherever feasible. The long-term savings outweigh the limited upfront price.
Install Energy-Efficient Windows
Replacing antiquated windows with new energy-efficient models similarly promises major efficiency gains for a comparatively small investment. Modern windows employ dual or triple-glazing, inert gases between panes, improved framing materials, and other advances to slash heat loss through the glass by up to 50 percent or more. The ensuing annual savings in heating and cooling costs make efficient window retrofits financially worthwhile. And unlike adding insulation, new windows also boost aesthetics, comfort, and resale potential.
Other Upgrades
Various other equipment upgrades provide attractive returns on investment too. Water efficiency measures like low flow plumbing fixtures reduce hot water demands alongside water bills. New circulator pumps slash electricity usage. Smart power strips halt phantom loads from idle electronics. Building automation frameworks cut energy waste facility wide. Clean renewable generation technologies supplement grid power.
Conclusion
Many low-cost and no-cost opportunities exist to improve building energy efficiency substantially. The key is to pinpoint areas of energy waste and excess cost to address through upgrades. With sound data analysis and planning, boosted efficiency and sustainable cost reductions remain wholly achievable. Facility managers willing to make savvy moves position their buildings for smarter energy usage, and brighter financial prospects.
