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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nConducting an energy audit is a great way to begin. It will reveal your building\u2019s potential for significant savings and help improve your building\u2019s energy efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An energy audit is an assessment that analyzes your building\u2019s energy usage and pinpoints areas where change might be most effective. The general process of an energy audit is as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Review of energy usage<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The auditor will collect and analyze your building\u2019s utility data and compare the energy use to that of similar buildings. He will then determine areas where efficiency can be improved and your natural gas bills lowered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- On-site survey of the property<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The auditor will typically interview your staff, inspect the building and equipment, and collect more data related to energy use. This step seeks to build an extensive profile of your building\u2019s energy use and patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Analysis and audit report<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The auditor will thoroughly analyze the data he has collected. He will then identify areas for potential savings and develop a list of recommended next steps customized to your building. This will be outlined and presented in an audit report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information on energy audits and how to select an energy auditor, see the US Department of Energy\u2019s guide here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Implementing the changes suggested in the audit report will positively impact your building\u2019s energy use and help you see savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Implement Low-Cost Techniques<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Employing quick low-cost techniques can generate savings on your energy bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/entechsmart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/3-1-1024x450.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n- Turn off and unplug all energy consuming equipment when not in use<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This includes kitchen appliances such as freezers, hot water urns, and microwaves. In an office, this would include devices such as printers and computers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Standard power strips may be using energy even when your devices are turned off, therefore be sure to unplug the power strips when devices are not in use. Switch to advanced power strips, which have electronic capabilities that help regulate your devices\u2019 energy when plugged in. These power strips include features such as built-in timers or sensors that can detect whether devices are in use or not. This can provide a convenient solution for leaving equipment plugged in while eliminating excessive energy consumption. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Turning off lights when rooms are unoccupied is another great way to take advantage of this technique. Stay conscious of heat and air conditioner usage so that they are only running when needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Little to no monetary investment is required for this step and it will yield building owners substantial energy savings<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Upgrade Lighting<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills. LED lighting<\/a> often achieves high savings with respect to its upfront cost, allowing a quick payback period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When performed correctly, an LED lighting upgrade offers significant energy savings, above 80% of your previous lighting consumption in some cases. Maintenance is also simplified, since LED products last much longer than incandescent, fluorescent and HID lamps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Perform HVAC Maintenance<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nConducting regular maintenance of your HVAC system is another low-cost way to ensure that the largest consumer of energy in your building is efficient. Regular cleaning of coils and vents such as condenser and evaporator coils can produce great energy savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Inspect and Repair Building Envelope <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Adding insulation to your buildings\u2019 walls is another way to improve the energy efficiency of your buildings. Additionally, costly energy may be lost via air leaks and addressing that can significantly bring down the building\u2019s energy costs. Let\u2019s elaborate a bit more on the tips mentioned here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/entechsmart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/5-1024x680.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n- Adding Insulation<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Insulation is a most important feature in keeping your energy costs at bay. When constructing or maintaining a building in a cold climate, the goal would be to reduce heat flow out of the building. The same can be said for buildings in a warm climate; there\u2019s no personal gain in cooling the outdoors. Insulation provides resistance to heat and cold air flow which thereby lowers the heating and cooling costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are two ways to insulate your walls \u2013 either internal wall insulation or external wall insulation. If your building has cavity walls, they can be injected with internal insulation. If your building has solid walls \u2013 or if you have already had your cavity walls insulated and want further thermal comfort \u2013 external wall insulation is a great option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other advantages of installing insulation on the outside would include improved aesthetics, reduced maintenance and a decrease in mold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Fixing Air Leaks<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As buildings age, they may develop air leaks around windows and doors. This results in greater energy costs as in the winter heat escapes through these cracks and cold air seeps in. The same is true during the summer months when the air conditioners are running and it\u2019s warm outside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similar to what was discussed regarding insulation, it\u2019s a waste of money to be fighting with the outdoor temperature and it will save energy and costs if these air leaks are repaired. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The key is to inspect all doors and windows to identify gaps or cracks that can be repaired. Weather stripping and caulking or other such sealants should be used to seal these air leaks so that you can make your building more energy efficient and reduce your energy consumption. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Purchase Energy-Saving Equipment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A longer-term solution to reduce your natural gas bill is to replace some of your equipment with more energy-efficient products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you replace equipment periodically or wait until the need arises, you can opt for energy-saving products to gradually transform your energy consumption. A simple way to choose energy-efficient equipment is to look for a light blue ENERGY STAR\u00ae label. As a government-backed agency, ENERGY STAR provides credible information to help businesses find and select energy-efficient products<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The products you replace will differ based on your budget and your business. When evaluating purchase options you need to consider not just purchase price, but day to day running costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the rapid rate of development in equipment, efficiency of most items has at least doubled in the last ten years. Purchasing the right equipment will have significant impacts on your energy usage and costs without compromising on quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Install a Smart Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When evaluating the breakdown of energy usage in large buildings, it doesn\u2019t come as a surprise that heating and cooling are the predominant energy consumers. By installing a smart control for the HVAC systems in your building, you will be able to monitor and control your systems and thereby generate large savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A smart HVAC control is a completely automated system that is comprised of sensors which collect and transmit data to a centralized device, enabling a highly efficient and superior quality of heating and cooling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Back in 2015, Entech Boiler Controls, the leader in next-generation energy control systems, introduced the Stealth\u2122<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Stealth\u2122 is a high-tech energy management system that ensures comfortable indoor temperatures while maximizing fuel savings. The system is fully customizable to suit your building\u2019s specific needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere we take a look at the Stealth\u2019s\u2122 features, its purpose, and how it can best service building owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Customized Control<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Fixing Air Leaks<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Adding Insulation<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Perform HVAC Maintenance<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Upgrade Lighting<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Turn off and unplug all energy consuming equipment when not in use<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Analysis and audit report<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- On-site survey of the property<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n