Saving Energy is Good for Business
HVAC (Heating,
(Heating, Ventilating,
Ventilating, Air
Air Conditioning)
Conditioning) and
and Water
Water Heating
Heating
HVAC
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
JUST DO IT
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.
Heating Ventilation and Air
Conditioning (HVAC):
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO SAVE
These measures can have a big payback.
Most likely, they will involve a
contractor:
❏ 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
JUST DO IT
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
❏ Forced air
❏ Steam
Type
(check all that apply)
Size
❏ Hot water
❏ Other _______________
Model
Efficiency Rating
Last Servicing
Age
(Btu or kW, gallons)
(Look for yellow energy guide sticker or ENERGY STAR Rating)
Air Conditioning
❏ Roof top unit ❏ Ground or concrete mounted unit
❏ Window AC
❏ Other _______________
Type
Model
Last Servicing
Age
Comments
Energy Star Rated
❏ Yes
❏ No
Ventilation
Type
(check all that apply)
❏ Doors
❏ Windows
❏ Louvers
❏ Other _______________
❏ Roof/attic fan
Use: How often? (Please describe)
Which Seasons?
As offset to heating
❏ Ocassionally
❏ Often
❏ Never
Temperature Controls
❏ Programmable thermostat
❏ Standard thermostat
Type
Temp Setting when occupied
Winter
Summer
❏ Building automation system
❏ Other _______________
Comments
Temp Setting when unoccupied
#Hrs.
Winter
Summer
#Hrs.
Ceiling Fans
Fan Location
Qty.
Reversible
blades
(Y/N)
Type of lights
(check one)
With lights
(# lights)
Do you reverse blades?
Other comments?
❏ Standard ❏ Halogen ❏ CFL
Water Heating
Type
(check one)
❏ Natural gas water heater
❏ Natural gas booster heater
Make and model
Age
Capacity
(gallons)
Temp.
Sample Electric
7
40 gallons
120º
❏ Electric water heater
❏ Boiler with sidearm tank
Pipe Insulation
❏ Electric booster heater
❏ Other_______________
Uses
Replacement
2 hand sinks,
1 work sink
On demand, tankless
Next Steps
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
www.focusonenergy.com
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.
Saving Energy is Good Business;
HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning) & Water Heating
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
FUNDED BY FOCUS ON ENERGY
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.
Saving Energy is Good for Business
T
H
I NG
G
I
L
Saving energy goes right to the
bottom line and it helps the environment.
Businesses can control energy costs using
energy saving practices and new
technologies. Lighting is an easy place to
start. New lighting technologies often have
a 1 to 3 year payback period, providing
a return on invest-ment
that makes sense.
JUST DO IT
You can use these no or low-cost, do-ityourself practices to make an immediate
impact on your bottom-line:
! Use natural daylight whenever
possible; it’s free. Turn lights off, especially
near windows.
@ Turn off lights when rooms are not
occupied.
BUSINESS OWNER
REALIZES PAYBACK ON
DO-IT-YOURSELF LIGHTING
UPGRADES IN TEN MONTHS
Fazoli’s, an ethnic fast food restaurant in
western Wisconsin, made lighting changes
saving $240 per year and 25,000 kWh of
energy, which is the amount of energy
used by three average Wisconsin homes
in a year. The 4,000 sq. foot restaurant
has 80 lights that operate 14 hours a day.
Over time, the manager replaced ceiling
# Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs
with compact fluorescent lights (CFL) for 75
percent energy cost savings; don’t wait until they
wear out to replace them.
$ Replace fluorescent exit signs with long-lasting,
low-energy LED (light-emitting diode) exit signs for
90 percent energy cost savings or one year payback.
% Paint walls and ceiling light colors as dark
walls require more energy to produce the same
amount of light.
mounted spot lighting and lights hanging
over tables with compact fluorescent bulbs.
The simple payback is ten months. Energy
savings are going into the marketing budget.
^ Clean lights every 6 to 12 months to keep
them free of dust buildup.
They are also considering converting outdoor
lighting to energy efficient lamps and replacing
exit signs with LED and other signage.
This self-assessment guide will walk you through
energy saving options in more detail so you can
reduce lighting costs.
Lighting:
Additional Opportunities to Save
These measures can have a big payback. Most
likely, they will involve a contractor
❏
❏ Put lighting where it is needed.
❏ Consider task lighting (spot lighting) that
focuses light on a particular surface. For
example, use a desk lamp. Rule of thumb:
overall light should illuminate the majority
T8 is 1” diameter
of the space to one-third the task
illumination level (20 footcandles overall,
50 to 60 footcandles for task lighting).
Eliminate bright light where it is not needed,
such as in a hallway.
❏ Configure switching so lights nearest
Remove or disable some fluorescent lights in
overly lit areas. For example, remove two out
of four tubes in a fixture.
❏ Retrofit fluorescent lamps by changing T12
fluorescent lights to T8 lamps with electronic
ballasts (saves ten percent light and 30 percent
ballast energy and is easier on your eyes).
❏ Install occupancy sensors to automatically
turn off lights in frequently unoccupied areas,
such as restrooms and storage rooms; lighting
controls can reduce energy use by 50 percent.
❏ Install photocells for lights that turn on at
windows can be dimmed or turned off.
Do your electric light and daylight work
effectively as a system?
dusk and off at dawn.
ENERGY SAVINGS CALCULATOR
Step
!
Step
@
Make a list of the types of lights and controls in your
business and their location using the simple inventory
form on page 3. Identify light types in the following
categories:
Do a Simple Payback Calculation:
SI = Screw-In/Incandescent
Lighting replacement with a simple payback of
installed cost of improvement/ annual
energy savings = simple payback (yrs.)
less than four years is a good investment.
CFL = Compact Fluorescent Light
EXAMPLE: FAZOLI’S (case study from page 1)
T12 1.5” diameter bulb, old technology.
T8 is 1” diameter (see gray circle above)
FT =
80 CFL
x $2.50 per bulb
Fluorescent Tube/lamp/bulb
LED
= $200 installed cost
EX = Exit
$200 installed cost
÷ $240 annual energy savings (from utility bills)
(labor= $0.00 managing partner changed the bulbs.)
LED
OD = Outdoor
Incandescent
= 0.83 years payback
Energy $avings Inventory
Customer Information
Name:
Electric Usage Kwh
Ceiling
4 FT
Ceiling
8 FT
2 lamps
#
Replacement
(occupancy
sensors,
photosensors,
dimmers)
T-12
28
28 T-8 lamps
14 fixtures
Switch
T-12
2
4 T-8 lamps,
2 fixtures
Switch
P
Screwin
100
watt
6
CFL, 26 watt
Hallway
Exit
CFL
24
watt
8
LED
Bar
Sign
neon
M
Desk
S
A
Annual Electric Cost
Controls
L
E
Office
Lighting
# of T
ube
s
Typ
e
Lam of
p
Location
Len
gth
Electric Utility
Step
!
LED
Comments
Check into installing
motion sensors too
Cost
Saving
Estimates
Choose CFL wattage by
dividing incandescent
watts by ~4
Saves 90% in energy
Step
@
Next Steps
Investigate appropriate options by contacting a contractor, working with Focus on Energy, which is an
unbiased, third party expert, and working with your local utility.
WORKING WITH A CONTRACTOR
Call 2 to 3 contractors to get quotes for replacing fixtures and
Lighting Performance
Considerations
ballasts that require electrical work. Most electricians and lighting
contractors are familiar with modern energy efficient lighting. Contractors
may have suggestions and recommendations that can help you improve
your lighting while you save energy.
FOCUS ON ENERGY
Focus on Energy Energy Advisors will be able to help make lighting
recommendations, identify electricians or lighting contractors and locate
stores in your area that sell energy efficient lighting equipment. Focus on
Energy can also provide financial assistance to help pay for lighting energy
efficiency upgrades. Eligibility for Focus on Energy is based on your electric
utility. To see if you are eligible for Focus on Energy, call 1-800-762-7077
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Task visibility
Visual comfort
Color appearance
Light distribution on surfaces
Flicker
Glare, direct & reflective
Shadow
Aesthetics
System flexibility & control
Energy efficiency
Cost
or visit www.focusonenergy.com
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.
PUBLICATIONS
Shedding Light on Fluorescent Bulbs; Options for Business Management
SHWEC pub # 710.AW.9902
Saving Energy is Good For Business:
Lighting
SHWEC pub # 625.SG.0508A
Written by Sherrie Gruder, UW-Extension Solid & Hazardous Waste Education Center
PH: (608) 262-0385
FAX: (608) 262-6250
www.uwex.edu/ces/shwec
& Bill Ryan, UW-Extension Center for Community Economic Development
www.uwex.edu/ces/cced
Technical assistance from Focus on Energy
FUNDED BY 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.