Commercial and residential buildings need to be mindful about how they use energy. In addition to keeping operating costs low, making a building energy-efficient has important environmental implications. Unfortunately, many power sources still create a dangerous level of carbon emissions. While the capacity for green power has been available for many years, it has been held back. As businesses and individuals demonstrate their commitment to using energy efficiently and using renewable power sources, the power sources that should have been obsoleted will be. Consumer demand and changes in industry standards will be a driving force for critical change. The best way for businesses and consumers to advance this type of widespread change is through their individual efforts to be more energy efficient. 

Here are some of the most effective things that businesses that own or operate properties can do to facilitate efficient energy usage.

Ensure Electrical Components are Compatible With One Another

Over time, changes to a building’s infrastructure will likely involve significant changes to its electrical system. In many instances, a building’s electrical system will tend to take on a patchwork-like quality. Mismatched components can result in energy waste as well as potentially dangerous conditions. Electric transformers, for instance, need to be compatible with all directly connected equipment such as bus ducts and distribution components. Some components within a building may be owned and maintained by a municipal power authority; these are typically contained within a locked vault room. However, there are numerous fixtures and pieces of equipment that a building is responsible for maintaining. It’s advisable for building managers to work closely with an electrical engineer to evaluate their existing systems and determine whether any upgrades are needed for efficiency or safety.

Use Less Electricity for Lighting

LED lighting is a far superior lighting product compared to traditional incandescent, fluorescent, or halogen lighting. In addition to casting a better quality of light, it uses significantly less wattage. As a result, a building can save thousands of dollars a year on its energy costs. Furthermore, LED lighting needs to be replaced less frequently. The bulbs themselves cost slightly more than the old bulbs, but not having to replace them as frequently will usually help in offsetting this cost. In addition, changing bulbs less often can save a building on its maintenance costs. Usually, it isn’t necessary to replace an entire fixture to switch to LED; you’ll likely need only to buy new bulbs.

Keep Your HVAC System Well-Maintained

A poorly maintained HVAC system won’t be able to use energy efficiently. When a system is struggling to heat or cool an area to a desired temperature level, it won’t emit the temperature that it should be able to produce. A system will operate almost continuously simply trying to keep up. Unnecessary heating and cooling costs can comprise a significant percentage of a building’s energy waste. Keeping your system well-maintained with routine calibration, preventative maintenance, and regularly scheduled cleaning will help it perform to the best of its ability. Moreover, taking good care of your system will help to ensure that it reaches its projected useful lifespan and doesn’t deteriorate prematurely. However, if a system’s components are extremely outdated, then it may be time to think about replacement. Usually, repairing a very old component simply won’t be feasible because it can’t be relied up for very long. A newer system will have a better energy rating and it won’t need to operate for the same length of time as an older system to reach a temperature setting. Also, installing additional components such as extra thermostats or variable air valve controls can reduce waste.

The Main Takeaway

The way that a building addresses energy waste can have an appreciable effect on its bottom line. Improvements and maintenance plans that are geared towards energy efficiency are well worth the initial investment because they offer ongoing savings. Energy usage that is both cost-effective and eco friendly will make a building’s operation profitable and modern.