Improving energy efficiency at work
Making a few minor changes is all it takes to start trimming the size of your energy bill. Use our simple energy saving tips for hot water, heating, cooling and lighting and watch your energy bills go down. You will also be helping the environment.
Hot water
- If you have shower facilities in the building, consider installing low flow shower nozzles.
- The hot water tank should be installed as close as possible to the usage point so heat is not lost during transportation.
- If the hot water system has an adjustable thermostat, adjust the temperature to provide the minimum hot water temperature required.
- Choose the best size hot water system to suit your needs.
- Insulate hot water pipes between the tank and the taps.
- Turn the hot water system off if it's not needed for extended periods of time.
- Ensure hot water is operating on the most economical energy rate.
Motors
- Electric motors are robust but they still need servicing.
- Make sure motor mounting, pulleys, attached pumps or fans are mechanically sound.
- Regularly maintain motor starting equipment.
- Have the motor serviced as soon as you hear unusual noises, or if it becomes excessively hot. Ensure motors have adequate ventilation and are free of rubbish or waste.
- Reduce the amount of energy used. With your large motors, consider continuous operating processes in preference to stop/start operation.
- Motor capacity and speed should match the function or process.
- Turn off equipment when not in use and have 'Switch Off' notices placed near machines.
- Install variable speed drives (VSD) whenever suitable.
Business equipment
- When not in use for long periods, turn off electrical equipment such as photocopiers and computers.
- Even if the equipment is on standby it is still using a significant amount of electricity.
- Be sure to use power-save options and switch office equipment off at night or when not in use.
- Machines like these also produce a lot of extra heat, leading to windows being opened, or fans and air conditioning being turned on and wasting electricity.
- Do you have a star amongst your appliances? Consider replacing old expensive-to-run appliances and look for new appliances with high energy star ratings. Energy efficient whitegoods can save up to $1,400 and prevent up to 14 tonnes of greenhouse gas from being emitted into the environment over a ten-year product life span. The more star ratings, the more energy efficient the appliance and the lower the running costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Cooking
- Use the right equipment and appliances.
- Ensure cooking equipment is suitable for the quantity of food being prepared.
- Use appliances designed for specific tasks. For example, toasters and deep fryers save energy.
- Regularly check appliance door seals, hinges and catches.
- Have malfunctioning equipment repaired promptly.
Refrigeration
- Regularly check door gaskets, hinges and catches.
- Regularly defrost any ice build-up on your evaporator.
- Call for service if your motor refuses to shut down or switch off regularly.
- Periodically inspect the thermal insulation on refrigeration lines for damage.
- Use a thermometer to check cabinet temperatures of all refrigerators and freezers.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers as full as possible.
- Keep glass doors clean to allow maximum visibility of products.
- Allow for adequate airflow around motor and condenser fins.
- Shield externally located motors from direct heat, sun and weather.
- Consider adding air curtains or plastic strip curtains for your cool room doorways.
- Think about reclaiming wasted heat from your large refrigeration systems to heat water for offices, toilets and change rooms.
- At night turn off any display lighting on your equipment.
- At night use thermal covers for your display units.
- Insulate the refrigeration suction line.