Module 3: Energy Conservation

Identifying Options

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Stage Two: Building Tune-up

Just as your car needs regular maintenance, so does your office space. Some things you can do yourself, such as checking controls and cleaning equipment and changing air filters. Dirty air filters impede airflow and force your heating and air conditioning system to work harder and use more energy. For an actual tune-up to your HVAC system, you will likely need to hire a contractor.

1) Check timers and thermostats

a. Are they functioning properly?

b. Have the timers been adjusted to compensate for daylight savings time and the changing lighting needs of the summer versus the winter?

c. Do the settings match your current use of the building?

2) Check your filters

a. Simple air filters cost about $2 each, but a dirty one can cost you about $5 in additional electricity per month.

b. Set a reminder to check your filters every month or two. Programmable thermostats have automatic reminders built in. Take advantage of this feature.

3) Check your bills

a. If you have not already looked at your electricity bills, now is a good time. Ideally, you would have access to at least 12 months’ worth of billing and usage information. Tracking this information can inform you of trends (positive or negative). Simply being aware of your bill can lead you to ask intelligent questions about it. If you see an unusually high bill or even a steady increase in usage over time, you can begin to investigate. However, if you do not have the information, it will be hard to notice trends or anything unusual.

b. This module includes a template Excel worksheet for you to track your electricity usage and costs.

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