Energy Solutions Q&A

• Can you help small business owners figure out where to start?

  Monday, May 06, 2013

  My sister and I run a small business that’s doing fairly well, but our energy bills are eating up our profits. I’ve looked over your website and can see there are a number of ways to save energy. The trouble is, we don’t know where to start and we can’t afford to do the wrong thing. Can you help? – BG, Washington County

  Paul: Happy to! We offer a wide range of services to cut business energy costs, and if you don’t have a specific project in mind it might be a lot to sift through. Give us a call at 888-921-5990, and a Customer Support Specialist will be assigned to assist you. First they’ll ask a bit about your business and help you prioritize energy upgrades based on your specific needs and budget; then they’ll get you started on next steps.

  Dan: If your next steps include an equipment purchase, then we’ll help you determine the most efficient piece of equipment for your needs, and point you toward a local supplier or vendor. If your upgrade includes hiring a contractor, we’ll help you find a qualified professional close to you, and we’ll even review their quote or proposal, so you can feel confident moving forward.

  Paul: Our work involves producing a cash flow analysis, so you know what kind of return to expect going forward. Efficiency Vermont references your specific utility and equipment data to ensure that the savings projections we provide are as accurate as possible. This enables us to provide much more customized and comprehensive savings estimates than a salesperson or online calculator can.

  Dan: Once your project or upgrade is underway, you can count on our support throughout the process, from your dedicated Customer Support Specialist. He or she will help guide you through the process of working with your contractors and equipment suppliers to ensure that the outcome meets your expectations. Think of the Customer Support Specialist as your own personal Energy Consultant from beginning to end.

  Paul: Finally, I should mention financial assistance. We offer incentives for certain recommended equipment and building-insulation upgrades. Your Customer Support Specialist will be familiar with all of them. They can help you find which ones are available for the work you’re doing, and even help you apply for them. If the initial cost of an upgrade is still a barrier, we can help you secure a Business Energy Loan through our partnership with a local financial institution. If you’re replacing older, less-efficient equipment, your upgrade can happen with very little or no upfront investment. Your energy savings will often more than cover the cost of your monthly loan payments.

  Dan: That means you can start driving up profits right away. Of course, the first step is to figure out where the opportunities for savings are, so give us a call at 888-921-5990, and we’ll help you get started.

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• Lighting Timers and Motion Sensors

  Thursday, April 11, 2013

  I’m an office manager for a group of about ten people. We have efficient lights, and we’re considering adding some timers or motions sensors to cut down on costs from lighting unused spaces. Would that be practical or even cost-effective for an office as small as ours? - L.J., Chittenden County

  Paul: Absolutely. If you already have energy-efficient lighting, then adding lighting controls would be the next logical step in saving energy and money. These days there are controls for every size and type of business, including yours.

  Dan: Let’s talk about some of the different types of lighting control technologies. You mentioned timers (or schedulers), and they’re a great low-cost solution for an office that keeps very regular hours. Occupancy sensors are another. I say occupancy and not motion, because today’s controls actually use a combination of heat sensors and motion sensors, so they can tell the difference between human occupancy and other types of motion, like a curtain blowing in the breeze.

  Paul: Daylight sensors are another big one. Assuming your office gets a bit of natural light during the day, these controls will actually sense that light coming through the windows and adjust the light fixtures accordingly. Personal controls are another option. These allow you to override any of the controls we just mentioned right from your desktop or mobile device. Those are a little more complex though; not sure I’d recommend that for a business of your size. It may also be necessary to upgrade your existing lighting equipment, especially if you want the controls to dim the lights as appropriate rather than simply shutting them off.

  Dan: Agreed. To maximize savings in an office your size, you should be looking at scheduling, occupancy sensors, and daylight controls. The best solution would be a combination of all three. I just read a study put out by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (pdf), where they found that people can save between 25% and 30% on lighting costs by using a single control strategy, and closer to 40% by using multiple controls together. That’s substantial.

  Paul: We should also mention that adding these controls to your current lighting set-up is a pretty straightforward process. Both occupancy and daylight sensors can be integrated with a wall switch. For larger areas, sensors can be mounted on a ceiling or a wall. Wireless controls can be synced up with individual switches, making the process fairly easy, affordable, and minimally disruptive to business.

  Dan: I’ve even got an occupancy control on the switch in my basement. It was simple to install and now I don’t have to worry about the kids leaving the light on when they go down to play.

  Paul: Right, but for most people it makes sense to have a licensed electrician do the heavy lifting. In fact, for all commercial properties, including rental housing, that’s the law. Start by contacting our Customer Support staff. They can give you more details about the various control technologies available, and recommend next steps based upon your specific business needs and goals. Give us a call at 888-921-5990 and someone will be happy to help you. Thanks for a great question, and good luck.

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• Energy Efficiency on the Farm

  Monday, March 11, 2013

  I run a small diversified farm in the Kingdom and it seems like every year at about this time our electric bills go up. Money is tight, so if you have any ideas of what it could be and how we can fix it, I’d appreciate it. - H.A., Caledonia County

  Paul: It’s hard to say without speaking with you about your specific set-up, but I could hazard a guess. Any chance you have an incubator or heat lamps going for some baby chicks? It’s pretty common to see an energy-usage spike from that this time of year, and we often field a number of calls about it.

  Dan: Yes, that’s just what I was going to mention. Heat lamps draw 100-200 Watts of electricity per bulb. Multiply that by six heat lamps or more, running all night and sometimes all day as well, and you’re going to see a big jump in electric usage. Unfortunately, if that is the culprit then there’s not a whole lot we can offer in terms of efficiency solutions. A heat lamp’s sole purpose is to emit heat, and that’s an energy-intensive process.

  Paul: The good news, though, is that there are many other ways to improve your energy efficiency, and they can all save you energy and money. Coolers, for example, are a great place to find hidden savings. A lot of farms use older model refrigerators, but these use far more electricity than newer ENERGY STAR^® qualified models. So I’d definitely take a look at that.

  Dan: Do you use an engine block heater in the winter? (For our non-farming readers, these are devices used to help keep a tractor’s engine warm enough so it will start in the morning). If you do use one, and it’s not on a timer, there’s a huge potential for savings right there. Or how about a water heater (to keep the water bucket or trough from freezing)? These can also be put on timers or thermostats to keep energy usage down.

  Paul: And, as with any business, it’s worth taking a look at your lighting. Have you switched out all your incandescent bulbs for CFLs or LEDs? Energy-efficient lighting can help you save as much as 75% on lighting costs, and because efficient bulbs last far longer, you’ll spend less valuable time switching out burnt bulbs.

  Dan: Of course, these are all general ideas. Call our Customer Support team for customized assistance: They can help you identify opportunities for savings on your particular farm, and they’ll also let you know about any rebates available for equipment you consider upgrading. If questions arise about how much electricity a specific piece of equipment uses, they can even send you a portable electric meter that allows you to measure its individual electric draw.

  Paul: Call us at 888-921-5990 to get started, or take a look at some of our agricultural offerings online. Thanks for a great question and best wishes for a successful growing season. 

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• Making the switch to heat pumps

  Monday, February 18, 2013

  I run a small hotel and we’re starting to think about the summer season. I may be replacing a few through-the-wall room air conditioning units that didn’t work so well last year. These things are real expensive to run, too—is there an energy-efficient option you’d recommend? - LW, Windham County

  Dan: Yes—heat pumps. Packaged terminal heat pumps are gaining popularity lately, and they’re really cool. Actually, they both heat and cool, and their technology is far more energy efficient than plain old air conditioners because they harness the energy from outdoor air as opposed to relying solely on electricity. And the fact that they’re able to both heat and cool a room is a real bonus.

  Paul: A lot of Vermont businesses have been making the switch to heat pumps in recent years, and you’ll be happy to know that it’s a pretty simple upgrade. They install the same way a through-the-wall air conditioner does, and can use the same wall opening. We should mention, though: whether you replace these units or not, there are a few basic ways of saving energy when it comes to using them.

  Dan: I’m glad Paul mentioned that. Whether you upgrade or not, both air conditioners and heat pumps require free air flow in order to work properly, but that often gets forgotten. Take a look at the units in question. Are they visible? Some people like to hide them, but any furniture or drapes blocking a unit will impede air flow, so that air you’ve paid to condition gets pulled right back into the machine for further processing. This can really add up on your bill, and it’s going to take a lot longer for the room to reach temperature, too. So make sure the unit is left open to the room. Also, check to see that regular vent dusting is part of your housekeeping protocol.

  Paul: The same goes for the other half of the unit: the external components found on the outside of the building. It might be tempting to cover these up with flowers or foliage, but if landscaping impedes air flow into the unit, you’re going to end up paying for it. So keep any objects, living or not, at least three feet away from vents. That includes cob webs and leaf debris. And in winter months, keep them free of snow and ice.

  Dan: Also, make sure that whoever maintains these units is keeping up with manufacturer recommendations: cleaning and replacing filters, checking for loose screws, etc. As with any piece of equipment, it’s only going to work correctly if it’s in correct working order. Proper maintenance will also reduce replacement and repair costs.

  Paul: And here’s one more reason to make sure your air conditioners are functioning right: guest experience. Guests who get the room temperature they want quickly and consistently are going to be happier, meaning fewer complaints and better online reviews.

  Dan: For more information, including a list of products and contractors, contact us at 888-921-5990 or info@efficiencyvermont.com. We can answer any further questions you might have, and help you choose a course of action that’s right for your inn. Also, make sure you’re signed up for our Lodging eNews, which offers all sorts of tips on saving energy in a hospitality environment, and is mailed out every-other month. Thanks for a great question, and we hope to hear from you.

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• Cooling with Outdoor Air?

  Thursday, January 10, 2013

  Q: I keep hearing about walk-in refrigerators that use outside air to keep food cool. Is this a real thing? If so, how does it work and can it save me money? - OP, Bennington County

  
  

  Paul:
  What you’ve been hearing about is called an outside-air economizer, which can actually be paired with many existing walk-in coolers. These economizers bring outside air into a walk-in when outdoor temperatures fall below the preset temperature. Using the colder outside air instead of the walk-in’s compressor condensing unit can definitely save energy and money. And while I can’t guarantee it will work for your business, it’s worth investigating for anyone who relies on a walk-in cooler—like a restaurant, grocery store, or beverage center.

  Dan:
  Vermont temperatures are typically cool enough for these economizers to be used roughly 120 days a year and the energy savings can be up to $770 per year, depending on things like your cooler size and operating hours. You can actually save even more if you have an evaporator fan motor control installed along with the economizer, because it shuts down fans when the compressor isn’t running.

  Paul:
  To install an economizer, a trained contractor will mount air-intake and exhaust equipment, connecting the cooler to the exterior wall along with a control unit and efficient circulation fan(s), which will operate when evaporator fans are off. Manufacturer-approved installers can maintain and repair these systems as well.

  Dan:
  As for whether this will work for you or not, that depends. The volume of a walk-in cooler needs to be at least 1,000 cubic feet (that’s volume—not square footage), and there are other factors to consider as well. As with any upgrade, it’s best to talk to a professional first. Start by calling us at 888-921-5990, and we can help you find the resources you need. Thanks for a great question!

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• Energy Efficiency in a Rented Space

  Wednesday, December 12, 2012

  I run a small business out of a leased warehouse space, and from reading your column I know that our lighting is really inefficient. It flickers and hums, and my electric bills are way too high. So why don’t I fix it already? Because it’s managed by the building owner. I’ve asked her about an upgrade but she says it’s just not in the budget. Any ideas?
  - PC, Rutland County

  Paul: This is a common predicament. Tenants like yourself may be motivated to retrofit their space or equipment, but if they don’t own it (and if they don’t have the capital), it’s not always possible. At the same time, building owners can be reluctant to make investments in energy efficiency when they don’t pay the utilities or use the space themselves. But I’m happy to share that there is a way for you to work together on this, and Efficiency Vermont can help.

  Dan: First, figure out what you want to do for your lighting upgrade. You can use our online tool to find qualified lighting contactors and get some quotes for the work you’d like to have done. Then give us a call. Based on your proposed upgrade, we can project the expected monthly energy savings and provide a cash flow analysis for you, showing how you could pay for a loan with the money you save on your electric bill.

  Paul: Once you have those numbers, approach the building owner again. Ask if she’d be willing to take on the initial cost of the upgrade, knowing you would pay off the investment with the savings on your monthly utility bills. As a business woman, she should see the benefit of upgrading the lighting in her property at no cost, adding to its value even after you move out. And it won’t hurt that you’ve already done your homework and can present her with a plan.

  Dan: This arrangement benefits both of you. It’s a safe investment for her, because the payments will come right from your monthly utility savings. And once you’ve paid for the upgrade, that monthly savings will be all yours. So while it might mean a bit of homework for you now, the rewards can be substantial.

  Paul: Yes, and actually right now is a great time to move on a project like this, because of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) tax deduction. Available to building owners or tenants, it offsets the cost of a qualifying interior lighting upgrade by up to 60 cents per square foot. The deduction expires at the end of 2013, so you have one more year to take advantage of it. As with any tax credit, be sure to check into qualification requirements before doing the work.

  Dan: Take the first step, and get some qualified contractors in there. You can find a list of them here and of course you’re always welcome to contact us directly. Good luck with this, and let us know how it goes!

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• Where do I start?

  Friday, November 16, 2012

  Q: A lot of people who write in to you seem to already have ideas on what they need to do. What would you say to a small business owner who wants to save energy (and save money too), but isn’t sure where to start? - HJ, Grand Isle County

  
  

  Dan: You know, I really like your question. It’s true that a lot of folks already have ideas on where to begin, and it’s fun for us to talk about technology; but the truth is this column isn’t meant to be about specific equipment—it’s about helping businesses find opportunities to reduce energy use, no matter what their situation.

  Paul: That’s right. And no matter what the question, you’ll notice some common themes in our answers: Give us a call. Check out our online resources. Talk to us before you launch into your project. These are all great steps, because those are the ways in which we’re going to help identify your specific needs, and help you choose a path that truly suits you.

  Dan: In your case, I’d recommend starting with a call to our Customer Support Specialists. They’ll ask you some questions about your building set-up, equipment, and the ways in which your business uses them. They’ll also get a sense of your budget, and what your particular goals are—whether it’s all about saving money now, or if it’s part of a longer-term business strategy.

  Paul: From there, they’ll be able to get you started on a plan that’s customized to you and your business needs. They can even provide an estimate of energy savings you’re likely to see, so you’ll know how to plan for the improvements you choose. When you receive contractor quotes, we can also provide a cash flow analysis.

  Dan: And right now, in addition to our existing support, there’s a special opportunity sponsored by Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility called Business Energy Action (BEA). Enrollees of this three-year program will get help setting a specific energy savings goal and tracking their progress with saving energy, plus receive public recognition for their efforts. You can enroll between now and the end of November.

  Paul: Whether you choose to enroll in BEA or not, I hope you’ll give us a call, because there’s almost always some way we can help. You can reach us at 888-921-5990; or if you prefer, begin with an online search. And thanks for a great question. I’m sure a lot of other business-owners have wondered the same thing!

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• Do I Need a New HVAC System?

  Monday, October 15, 2012

  A few years back I opened up a small law practice in an old hair salon. For the most part the location and even the layout have been perfect for us. What isn’t great is the heating and air conditioning system. It seems like it’s going all the time, so there’s a constant draft. My assistant thinks it’s probably too big for our needs. Am I going to have to buy a whole new system? - TF, Chittenden County

  
  

  Paul: I’d agree that your business likely has different HVAC needs than the hair salon did, but replacing the whole system is not the only answer. It’s hard to say without having a professional take a look, so before you do anything else, hire a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor to take a look at your system.

  Dan: Have the HVAC contractor start by looking at your controls. These may be as simple as a wall-mounted thermostat or as complex as a computerized setup, depending on your HVAC system. He or she can determine if your existing controls can be programmed to respond to your practice’s workplace conditions, taking into account your hours of operation, the size of your space, and the impact of activities on the generation of heat, moisture, and airborne particles.

  Paul: The contractor will also review your equipment, and how it’s laid out. It could be that some areas are over- or under-supplied, or that some of your equipment is sized or adjusted incorrectly—this can certainly affect performance. It’s also possible that some component is broken or not operating correctly. It could be as simple as a blown fuse or dirty filters.

  Dan: If you have a mechanical service contract, ask if HVAC control optimization can be included as part of annual service calls. It’s not uncommon for HVAC controls to need an annual “tune up” to make sure that they’re meeting current needs. And, in case you don’t already have your system serviced annually, I want to emphasize that regular service is key to proper operation.

  Paul: If you and your contractor determine that it’s a good idea to replace or upgrade your equipment, look into rebates available for specified efficient equipment, including boilers, furnaces, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, refrigeration, and motors. Additional rebates may be available for custom projects, so contact us if you don’t see certain equipment listed.

  Dan: One last thing: there’s a huge silver lining here. You don’t mention energy bills, but chances are that by addressing your system configuration you’ll not only be more comfortable going forward, you’ll be saving energy and money too. In fact, many Vermont businesses are able to lower energy costs by hundreds to thousands of dollars per year this way, depending on building size. Good luck with it, and thanks for writing in!

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• Exterior Lighting Ideas?

  Wednesday, September 05, 2012

  We’re repaving our parking lot and I’m considering upgrading the lighting out there too. I’ve noticed that some newer parking lots have a whiter, brighter light, whereas ours have a very yellow, dim glow. What do you recommend?

  
  

  Dan: I’m glad you wrote in. It sounds like you have high-pressure sodium bulbs, and the lighting you admired was most likely light-emitting diodes (more commonly called LEDs). LEDs use completely different technology than older bulbs—their light is produced by the movement of electrons through a semiconductor material, similar to how a computer chip works. They’re far more efficient than your sodium bulbs, and can actually save you 50 to 75% on energy costs.

  Paul: Another advantage of LEDs is that they work well with lighting controls like timers and motion sensors, because they’re instant-on and off. That means you don’t have to wait for a warm-up time like you do with sodium lights. By timing your lamps or putting them on motion sensors, you’ll save even more energy. If you’re not comfortable with a completely dark lot, you can set them to dim on a timer, too.

  LEDs can last twice as long as sodium or halide bulbs, and sometimes even longer; so you’re going to save money on maintenance costs as well. I don’t know how high your lot lights are, but any time you have to rent a boom truck or get someone out there with an extension ladder, you’re likely incurring a significant expense.

  Dan: We should also mention that because LED lighting is so directional, you’ll lose less light to the sky and surrounding areas, so you won’t actually need as much light. It’s not uncommon, when moving to LED bulbs from older bulbs, to require 25-50% less light. A local electrical distributor should be well-versed in the different lighting technologies, and many have software available to help you determine the right amount of light for your lot.

  Paul: We have rebates available on both external LED lights and lighting controls, and a list of products qualified by the Design Lights™ Consortium, a non-profit group dedicated to promoting reliable energy-efficient LED lighting products. Not all LED lights are created equal, so finding a recommended product is important.

  Dan: It’s great that you’re thinking of this in connection with your repaving project. Bundling projects together is a way to minimize disruption and expense, and any time you’re improving your property is the ideal time to address energy efficiency as well.

  Good luck with everything, and thanks for a great question!

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• Paying for Energy Efficiency?

  Thursday, August 02, 2012

  I’m just getting my little bakery off the ground, and utilities are turning out to be a major expense. I’ve read about some energy-efficient appliances that can reduce my bills by quite a bit, but there’s no way I can afford them and I’m not sure the bank wants to see me in there asking for more money. Do you guys have any ideas for someone like me? - ND, Chittenden County

  
  

  Paul: Congratulations on your new business! Any new venture is bound to have its challenges, but I’m happy to have some good news for you here. There are a number of ways to finance energy efficiency investments so that the up-front cost isn’t a barrier, and there’s no reason to let existing loans deter you.

  Dan: The key word here is investment, because any time you make your business more energy efficient, you’re making it stronger. By using less energy you’ll be reducing expenses, and the money you save can be put toward loan payments. After it’s repaid, the savings can be put toward any other debt. That’s a plan your bank should appreciate.

  Paul: Exactly. And while applying for another loan might seem daunting, Efficiency Vermont is here to help. Before you go to the bank, give us a call. First we’ll get some specifics about your business and help you figure out which energy investments are going to give you the best return.

  Dan: Our experts can then calculate projected energy savings, help you determine any reduced maintenance costs (an added benefit of capital improvements), and provide you with a cash flow analysis. We’ll help you prepare a solid plan, which you can present to your bank.

  Paul: More and more lenders are beginning to see energy efficiency as a solid investment, and having consulted with energy efficiency experts should strengthen your case.

  Dan: Right. But the first step is to give us a call. Contact our experts at 888-921-5990, ext. 7652, to get started. And again—congratulations on your bakery. I’m sure that with hard work and strategic thinking like this, you’ll soon be tasting sweet success.

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