How can I make my existing building more energy efficient?

There are many, many ways to make existing buildings more energy efficient. Some of them are simple and inexpensive like replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact flourescents, turning off lights and equipment when not in use, or turning down a thermostat and putting on a sweater. Others are more complicated and costly but all of them will save money, reduce energy consumption, and reduce environmental impact in the long run.

If you are serious about making your existing building more energy efficient, a good starting point is to hire Energetechs to perform an ENERGY AUDIT for you. Typically this will involve a BLOWER DOOR TEST, THERMAL IMAGING, and a survey of the building’s occupants and their energy use patterns. This will provide us (and you) with invaluable information on exactly where your energy dollars are being used and where they are being wasted.

Armed with this information we can advise you on the range of potential strategies for improving your building’s energy efficiency, the costs involved, and the benefits and paybacks. Typically this will include strategies for changing occupant behavior to reduce energy use, and options for simple equipment (such as motion sensing light switches and programable thermostats), improvements to the building envelope (such as better insulation or windows), mechanical equipment upgrades (to more energy efficient equipment), and renewable energy generation.

We always stress the importance of reducing energy consumption to a minimum BEFORE looking to replace fossil fuel energy with renewable energy. The most beneficial impact that we can have on the environment is to minimize our energy consumption regardless of whether the energy comes from coal, natural gas, wind, solar, hydro, or nuclear sources.

If you have a question for THE ENERGY EXPERT or would like to learn more about improving energy efficiency please CONTACT ENERGETECHS . We’ll be happy to help.

CONTACT US – Energetechs, Inc., – ph. –