Energy Efficiency Tips

Conducting a "Do-it-yourself" audit of your business’s energy use can save you money on your electric bill.

HEATING & COOLING

Always make sure your furnace filter is clean. Wash it or replace it once a month according to manufacturer's recommendations to keep your furnace running most efficiently. A clogged filter can be costly.
Check your ductwork to make sure it is not separated anywhere and leaking air. If in an attic or crawl space, it must be heavily insulated, much more than just what is sold as "insulated ducting."
Air coming from a furnace is at a high temperature, but before it arrives into a room, much of the heat is lost in the ductwork if located in an attic, crawl space or unheated basement. These must be insulated heavily.

On a windy day, hold a lit incense stick next to your windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, attic hatches and other locations where there is a possible air path to the outside. If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you have located an air leak and may need caulking, sealing or weather-stripping. Try to slip a quarter under each outside door. If it goes through easily, the door needs weather-stripping.
Are any appliances, pipes or other devices in your business shocking you? This could indicate a short circuit, a dangerous condition that also costs you wasted electricity. If this is the case, we advise contacting a qualified electrician that follows the National Electrical Code for a thorough inspection.