With summer upon us, now is the time for businesses to take steps to save energy before the temperature rises. Upgrading to high-efficiency cooling equipment and lighting are two ways businesses can use less energy and improve comfort this summer. Here are some specific tips to stay cool, save energy and keep energy costs under control.
Cooling Equipment
* Upgrade air conditioning equipment with properly sized units that have a high energy efficiency ratio (EER)
* Replace old motors with properly sized premium efficiency motors that operate at a lower annual cost
* Install variable frequency drives (VFDs) on large motor loads to further reduce energy usage
* Upgrade old chillers with new, energy-efficient units
* Install an energy management system (EMS) that uses temperature set points and operating schedules to optimize climate control
Lighting & Lighting Controls
* Replace fluorescent lights that use magnetic ballasts with more efficient models using electronic ballasts
* Install automatic, occupancy sensor room-lighting controls to turn lights on or off depending on occupancy or time of day
* Change out incandescent or fluorescent exit signs with LED exit signs
* Turn off or dim electric lighting when adequate sunlight is available to illuminate interior space.
Here's my biggest tip: If you're planning on improving your building's energy performance this summer, take advantage of the expertise and rebates and incentives available through the Con Edison Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Energy Efficiency Program. You can get up to 50%, or up to $67,000, toward the cost of an energy efficiency study to evaluate gas and electric use. You also can save substantially on high efficiency gas and electric equipment including HVAC systems, lighting and lighting controls, boilers/furnaces, motors, and variable frequency drives through the C&I Equipment Rebate Program.
Planning on undertaking an energy efficiency project that isn't eligible for an equipment rebate? You could receive incentives based on total energy savings for installing cost-effective, energy-efficient technologies such as window caulking, window film, elevator modernization and more.
The Con Edison Green Team has an energy efficiency program available for almost everyone.
To learn more about the C&I program or to find out which program is right for you, call the Green Team at 1-877-860-6118 or visit www.conEd.com/greenteam.
Join the discussion on LinkedIn (Con-Edison-Commercial-Industrial), Facebook (ConEd Green Team C&I), Twitter (ConEd Green Team C&I) and YouTube (ConEd Green Team C&I).

David Pospisil is Program Manager of Con Edison's Commercial & Industrial Energy Efficiency Program, New York, N.Y.


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