Rising Energy Costs

As an energy conscious Heating and Air Conditioning contractor and to build off of a fellow “BOSS” member’s blog on rising energy costs, I recently read an article about common energy management mistakes that I would like to share with you.

Many Facility Managers put in energy efficient lighting and building automation systems and expect to reap the returns and don’t see any real improvements.  I am betting that there will be several items mentioned here that are things you’ve never realized could make such big dent in your energy costs.
 
Leaving Electronics & Appliances Turned on:
According to the US Department of Energy, office equipment makes up about 16% of an office’s electric bill. The EPA has estimated that more than $1 Billion each year is wasted in US organizations on the electric bill due to computer monitors left on.  Tenants and occupants need to be encouraged and advised to unplug things and turn equipment off when not in use.

Dirty Filters:
Clogged filters reduce airflow, which makes the blower work harder to push  the air through which increases energy consumption. It also can make coils dirty which create another whole host of energy and mechanical concerns.  By putting a preventive maintenance program in place not only do you help reduce your electric bill, you will stop dirty air from circulating.
 
Cleaning At Night:
A consulting engineer from Pennsylvania recently did evaluations on utility bills for high rise office buildings in Philadelphia.  He found that more than half of the electricity consumption occurred during off-peak hours.  Lights and building systems being left on when not needed.  If cleaning during the day is not an option, ask custodial staff to move throughout the building as a team, cleaning one floor at a time and turning off lights and systems as they go.
 
Thermostats mounted on wrong locations:
There are several factors that affect thermostats and the temperatures they pick up.  Direct sunlight, drafts, vents, people walking by, space heaters and fans, etc. all affect thermostat readings, calling for heating and cooling when it is not actually needed.  For correct placement of a thermostat, position it about 4 feet above a finished floor on a flat, interior wall away from equipment and diffusers.  Don’t place copiers, fax machines, coffee machines or other types of heat generating equipment nearby.
 
Not optimizing equipment start-up time and sequencing:
Think about when your equipment is turning on, how many pieces are turning on at the same time. As the U.S. EPA states, if each piece of equipment in your facility is starting at 8 a.m., your peak demand will be much higher than if equipment starts up sequentially at 7:45 a.m.: Bring your equipment online throughout a period of about 30 minutes or so. Test out some different options to figure out the latest possible start-up times.
 
In the February 2008 issue of “Buildings” there are several other mistakes found in facilities, with vending machines, exhaust fans, dirty windows and drippy faucets that are causing wasted electricity.  If we all do our part and make a fingerprint in reducing electrical consumption, we will lower our electric bills and reduce our dependency on foreign oil.
 
 
By Jim Carlson
President, Michael James Industries, Inc.

Boost Your Bottom Line - Lower Energy Bills

With rising energy costs, cutting energy usage by becoming more efficient can boost your company’s bottom line, lower energy bills as well as contribute our environmental health.

You can begin to identify areas for improvement by collecting current energy use information within your company. After analyzing your findings, you can set realistic goals for your company’s energy savings plan.

You will most likely find immediate opportunities to save energy and money by focusing on energy-intensive systems, as well as lighting.  

Investing in proper maintenance, upgrades, and adjustments of existing electrical systems may achieve significant reductions in energy use and can often pay back the capital needed in only a few months from the savings produced.

Install digital controls with automatic settings for heating and cooling systems, when full loads are not needed, and make sure that they are functioning properly.

Remove some lighting, or make sure lights are turned off when not in use. Replace existing light tubes (or bulbs) with energy efficient versions either as a project or as part of normal maintenance. Consider upgrading lighting systems. Lighting upgrades often have very short payback periods and make good financial sense even if you don’t own the building.  Install motion sensors to automatically shut off outdoor lights during the day or when everyone leaves.  

Evaluate your energy plans progress by periodically monitoring your company’s energy consumption. Though monitoring in itself will not save any energy it will provide the base line information to monitor trends and identify improvement opportunities.

These are some of the ways you can achieve the goals of your company’s energy savings plan. For information on our full range of services please do not hesitate to call us. Roland’s Electric has been helping companies operate more efficiently and profitably with innovative electrical solutions since 1953.

By Linda Paino
Marketing Manager, Roland’s Electric, Inc.

Established in 1953 by Mr. Roland Cadieux, Roland’s Electric has dedicated itself to the total support of its customers. A commitment to performance and providing innovative solutions to customers’ needs, has made Roland’s Electric a proven leader in electrical contracting on Long Island. Whether large scale turn-key projects, retrofit, rehab, or maintenance, Roland’s Electric has maintained a qualitative edge over its competitors by constantly searching for new ways to better improve its performance. A one-step-ahead” approach utilizing the latest in technology has given our customers the service and cost savings necessary to be successful in today’s market.

Security and construction in the post 9/11 world

In today’s world, construction projects in security sensitive areas, such as Airports, can be very difficult. Construction Crews and equipment entering the secured areas should expect to be searched on a regular basis. Security personnel may be required to escort crews to and from the construction site. Movement beyond the designated area is prohibited without permission or escorts. In some cases certified security personnel must be on the payroll of the Construction Company to interface with the security detail. All of these restrictions may seem cumbersome and time consuming but once systems are put in place, all parties including the public, benefit.

Prior to being awarded the job any vendors working in sensitive areas should have the proper background paperwork on their company and employees complete. All proper government security forms must be filled out correctly. In addition the crew going on job site needs to be aware of the requirements of working on a sensitive site and work within those parameters.

These are just some of the reasons that working with a General Contractor who is prepared and experienced in security sensitive areas can make the job go smoothly and maintain good relations with the property management.

Ned Rothberg
President
CDS Mestel Construction Corp.
www.cdsmestelconstruction.com

Excel Painting

Acoustical ceiling refinishing saves time and money vs. replacement

 
Facility managers know that employees working in a clean, bright work environment are more productive.  However, acoustical ceiling replacement can be costly and the associated down-time can also increase the cost of the project.
 
Acoustical ceiling refinishing is a cost-effective way to restore acoustical ceilings.  If your ceilings are dirty, stained or simply old, they can be restored at a fraction of the cost of replacement.  
 
The process is simple.  All surfaces not being painted are covered (i.e. lights, speakers, etc.) and all vents are vacuum-cleaned.  Ceilings are also vacuumed to remove any dirt and dust.  Stains are sealed and then the ceilings are sprayed with a special acoustical coating which brightens the ceiling without destroying its acoustics.  All areas are given a final, meticulous cleanup so that there is no disruption to next-day business operations.  Depending on the size of the ceiling, the entire project can be completed overnight so that business can resume the next work day.
 
The result is a bright and clean ceiling without the cost and down-time associated with ceiling replacement.  

By: Michael Monte
President, Excel Painting Services
Www.excelpaintingservices.com