Saving energy goes right to the bottom line and it helps the environment. You can control increasing energy costs in your business by using energy saving practices and new technologies.
This self-assessment guide will walk you through energy saving options so you can minimize your particular heating, cooling and water heating costs.
BUSINESS OWNER SAVES $3000/YEAR IN
ENERGY COSTS BY REPLACING BOILER
A 100-year-old, three-story, 10,000 square foot brick building with combination retail, office and apartments in Green Bay had mechanical upgrades that will pay back in less than four years.
Old, zoned twin boilers that also provided hot water were changed to one high efficiency natural gas boiler. A new, energy efficient water heater was also installed, which drastically reduced energy costs since the boiler does not need to operate during the summer solely to heat water. Additionally, the new boiler freed up basement space for storage and the direct venting freed up the chimney. Programmable thermostats were also installed.
Simple payback on new boiler
(20,000 therms/year old boiler) - (16,304 therms/yr new boiler) =
3,696 therms/yr energy savings
3,696 therms/year x $0.80/therms = $2,957/ year energy savings
Payback: $11,000 for new boiler/ $2,957 savings/year = 3.7 years
Use these no-cost, low-cost, do-it-yourself practices and make an immediate impact on your bottom line.
ENERGY EFFICIENT PRACTICES
❏ Open windows in spring and fall on non-humid days instead of running air conditioners.
❏ Use ceiling fans to increase air movement and comfort. Reverse fan blades in winter to pull warm air down.
❏ Change or clean your air filters regularly—at least every three months.
❏ Program your thermostat to reduce temperatures during unoccupied times. Set temperature slightly lower in the winter and slightly higher in summer. Each degree can save three percent on heating and cooling costs.
❏ Use the auto setting on the thermostat so the fan cycles only when supplying heat or air conditioning rather than constantly.
❏ Plug or fill cracks and leaks with weatherstripping and caulking.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO SAVE
❏ Check thermostat accuracy to ensure the temperature setting and the real temperature are the same.
❏ Install a programmable thermostat. Place it in a location away from the air conditioner, heat sources and direct sunlight.
❏ Tune up HVAC equipment twice a year.
Consider a semi-annual service maintenance agreement.
*See Next Steps: Working With a Contractor
❏ Check you economizer for needed repairs or upgrades. Economizers use free outdoor air to cool without running the compressor.
The dampers and sensors can malfunction resulting in substantial energy impacts.
Energy savings can be improved by
10 percent to 30 percent.
BENEFITS OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY
TO YOUR BUSINESS
✦ Reduced operations and maintenance costs
✦ Protection from energy inflation
✦ Improved employee productivity and comfort
✦ Increased customer comfort
✦ Enhanced image and marketing as a responsible environmental business and community partner
WATER EFFICIENCY PRACTICES
!
Reduce the amount of water used by installing low-flow fixtures and aerators in kitchen and bathroom sinks.
@ Reduce temperature of the water heater to 120ºF
(other than for laundry and dishwashing to meet code requirements). For every ten degree temperature reduction, you save 5 percent of your water heating costs.
# Fix leaky faucets, toilets, showerheads and pipes.
BUYING A WATER HEATER
❏ Consider a tankless water heater for minimal hot water needs (bathroom sinks).
This can save 25 percent on your water heating costs by heating water just when it is needed.
❏ Choose natural gas or propane over electric water heaters to save one-third to one-half of your water heating costs.
❏ Choose a high efficiency gas or propane water heater with an energy factor of 0.61
or higher. If you must use electric, choose one with an energy factor of 0.9 or higher.
❏ For commercial grade natural gas or propane water heaters, choose one with thermal efficiency of 80 percent or higher and standby losses of less than 3 percent. Lower standby losses mean the tank has better insulation.
❏ Choose gas or propane electronic ignition water heaters instead of options with pilot lights to realize even greater energy savings.

Heating, Cooling, Ventilating & Water Heating Inventory
Heating
Type
(check all that apply)
❏ Forced air
❏ Steam
❏ Hot water
❏ Other _______________
Size
(Btu or kW, gallons)
Model Age Last Servicing Efficiency Rating
(Look for yellow energy guide sticker or ENERGY STAR Rating)
Air Conditioning
Type
Model
❏ Roof top unit ❏ Ground or concrete mounted unit
❏ Window AC ❏ Other _______________
Age Last Servicing Energy Star Rated
❏ Yes ❏ No
Comments
Ventilation
Type
(check all that apply)
❏ Doors
❏ Windows
❏ Louvers
❏ Roof/attic fan
Use: How often? (Please describe)
❏ Other _______________
Which Seasons?
As offset to heating
❏ Ocassionally
❏ Often
❏ Never
Temperature Controls
Type ❏ Programmable thermostat
❏ Standard thermostat
Temp Setting when occupied
❏ Building automation system
❏ Other _______________
Temp Setting when unoccupied
Winter Summer #Hrs.
Winter Summer #Hrs.
Comments
Ceiling Fans
Fan Location
Qty .
With lights
(# lights)
Type of lights
(check one)
❏ Standard ❏ Halogen ❏ CFL
Reversible blades
(Y/N)
Do you reverse blades?
Other comments?
Water Heating
Type
(check one)
Make and model
Sample Electric
❏ Natural gas water heater
❏ Natural gas booster heater
Age
7
Capacity
(gallons)
40 gallons
Temp.
120º
❏ Electric water heater
❏ Boiler with sidearm tank
Pipe Insulation Uses
❏ Electric booster heater
❏ Other_ ______________
2 hand sinks,
1 work sink
Replacement
On demand, tankless

WORKING WITH A CONTRACTOR
Call two to three contractors to get quotes for maintaining, repairing and replacing HVAC equipment. HVAC maintenance service can vary in its comprehensiveness so compare services, not just price. Check what is being offered: parts and labor; just basic inspection, filter replacement and refrigerant pressure check, or those services plus replacement, coil cleaning, efficiency calculations and economizer operation adjustment? HVAC contractors have tools to measure and document the energy efficiency of your systems compared to peak operation. They can diagnose what needs to be adjusted for optimal functionality. Contractors may have suggestions and recommendations that can help you improve the efficiency of your equipment to help you save energy and costs.
MAINTENANCE CHECKS ON HVAC
ARE AS IMPORTANT AS CHANGING
THE OIL IN YOUR CAR EVERY
3,000 TO 5,000 MILES.
FOCUS ON ENERGY
Focus on Energy Energy Advisors can make recommendations about your HVAC and water heating systems and can help identify heating and plumbing contractors and equipment vendors in your area. Focus on Energy can also provide grants to help pay for energy efficiency upgrades. Eligibility for Focus on Energy is based on your electric utility. To see if you are eligible for the Focus on Energy program, call 1-800-762-7077 or visit
UTILITIES
Although your utility may not participate in Focus on Energy, they may offer assistance with energy efficiency projects. Call your utility to see if they can help.
FUNDED BY FOCUS ON ENERGY
Saving Energy is Good Business;
SHWEC Pub #: 625.SG.0508B
Written by Sherrie Gruder, UW-Extension Solid & Hazardous Waste Education Center
PH: (608) 262-0385 www.uwex.edu/ces/shwec
Technical assistance from Focus on Energy
Production Assistant, Colleen Blomgren, UW-Extension/ SHWEC Intern
Graphic Design by UW-Extension, Environmental Resources Center
SHWEC and UW-Extension provide equal opportunities in employment and programming.