Most facilities waste 10-30% of their monthly utility and operational costs budget. Here are 10 things you can do to save a lot on your operations costs.
HVAC usually accounts for about 40% of energy costs. Programming your system to cycle down during periods where your employees are not there can decrease your costs by as much as 15% annually. That sounds simple but tuning it to the details of your employee schedules, the characteristics of the equipment you have, and the climate and sunlight situation of your building means this can be a bit of a calculation.
It is worth it though. Studies have shown that changing from an analog non-programmable system to a programmable system can pay for itself in as little as two years.
Other things to consider when optimizing your HVAC savings are your maintenance schedule and the age of your existing system. Do the right calculation, and you’ll save a lot of money over a couple of years.
If you often see that there are lights on when no one is there, you may want to consider motion sensors or timers. You may want to work with a lighting specialist to help determine which will work best in which spaces.
Lighting costs are typically around 35% of your energy bill. Converting to LED lighting with a digital sensing and control system can reduce lighting costs more than 60%. LED bulbs can be costly up front but will pay for themselves quickly, and they last a very long time.
In some parts of the country, you can negotiate a better price on electricity, oil, and gas. If you are operating in an area that does not regulate energy companies prices, you might be able to negotiate a better deal. Check with providers in your area to see if there’s a contract price that will save you money. This is another area where a specialist who knows the ins and outs of dealing with energy companies can save time and money.
Depending on what other equipment you use, there may be many more efficient models available. Depending on the age and efficiency of your current equipment, you may find that replacing some with more energy efficient models will save you money.
You should also routinely check that the controls on existing equipment, including often overlooked things like vending machines, are programmed correctly for maximum efficiency and proper function.
Are your servers and their AC systems running at full performance all night? Are users accessing these systems remotely after hours? Is the HVAC a separate system? A review of your data loggers can give you the information you need to see where you can cut back to reduce energy costs.
Predictive testing inspects all sorts of equipment using an array of techniques. It looks at lubrication levels, vibration analysis, ultrasonic analysis for leaks, infrared thermography scans for heat buildup or loss, voltage analysis on electronics and even using magnets and X-rays to predict metal failure.
This detailed kind of analysis lets you predict when failures are likely to happen. This means you can make certain you’re doing the right maintenance at the right time and can plan and budget accordingly.
Acting on these recommendations can take time and expertise. It may be well worth it to work with an expert. LB&B Associates is keeping hundreds of facilities healthy, productive and efficient – saving money while creating better work environments.
You can read about our Facilities Management services here.
Next up on the blog – Managing your Facility Operational Costs: The Other Costs That Need to be Considered.
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