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. –

Should I buy solar panels?

Our passion at Energetechs is ENERGY EFFICIENT DESIGN and construction. The first thing that we always recommend to our clients is that they put as much into improving the efficiency of the building envelope as they possibly can, thereby reducing the amount of energy required. A big factor in that equation is reducing the size of proposed buildings wherever possible.

Next we recommend that they install the most efficient equipment, fixtures, and appliances they can find, further reducing the energy demand of the building. Finally, once the amount of energy needed is brought down as far as possible, we recommend that they consider supplying the remainder with renewable energy.

So, if you’re considering installing a solar power system, first ask yourself if there are ways that you can reduce the amount of energy that you need. We can help by CONSULTING on the design of new buildings and remodels, or by performing an ENERGY AUDIT on an existing building.

Next we recommend that you learn as much as you can about renewable energy and residential solar power systems as you can. The following website has some good information about residential solar power panels and systems including advice, articles, videos, and general information. It also has numerous links to other websites and sources of information on solar power so it’s a good place to start learning more… CLICK HERE to learn more about residential solar power systems.

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. –