How to Reduce Energy Consumption and Costs in Commercial Office Buildings

As we get back to the office, it gives us a chance to evaluate electrical usage in leased spaces and suites. Reviewing monthly usage can be a first step in identifying high demand devices or behaviors. After comparing notes and maybe even talking to other building owners or suite occupants, if your electrical usage seems unusually high, here are a few ideas to investigate to reduce energy consumption in your office building.

Smart Thermostats

The highest power demands in most offices are air conditioners, furnaces and heaters. Because temperature control is a 24 hour a day requirement, controlling usage in “off” hours is really important. A smart thermostat can usually be operated remotely and potentially be linked together with other smart thermostats allowing you to control multiple at one time. Save energy by programming a daily schedule to set back the temperature during unoccupied time and control when the system fan runs.

Smart Lighting Sensors

Indoor motion light sensors are becoming standard in many office settings. They automatically control lights to turn on when motion is sensed in a space and remain on until motion is stopped for a certain amount of time. Sensors are convenient and effective because once installed, they don’t require maintenance and can reduce overall load requirements by 3-5%. Sometimes referred to as occupancy sensors, motion activated sensors are perfect for bathroom, hallways, and offices.

Window Shading

control in buildings  immense power gets consumed by AC loads to maintain the temperatures of the buildings. Windows are a necessary architectural part of any building, but they result in unnecessary or negative temperature changes than a human needs. So, it is essential to shade the windows, which will resist the fast temperature change, which becomes the reason for a lot of power consumption to maintain indoor temperatures.

Energy Management System

An energy management system is a sophisticated method of monitoring and automating your building’s energy needs. It can address heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems (HVACR), lighting, fire suppression equipment, and security measures. It’s possible to install energy management systems in both residential and commercial applications.

Conclusion

Energy cost savings is a top-of-mind for every commercial building owner, operator or facility manager. There are many solutions available that can help you with energy cost savings. These range from implementing sophisticated technologies like IoT to low cost energy efficiency strategies like using natural light and finally using Energy Star rated equipment for long-term energy savings.

Whatever is the solution, ensuring that you implement at least one or two frequently would ensure that your energy costs are considerably reduced and your energy savings are increased.

 

Common Electrical Problems in Old Houses

Electricity is a necessity in homes, and unfortunately, most old houses tend to have electrical problems. If you have an old house that you intend to refurbish or remodel, you may have uncovered issues with the electrical system. Problems, such as flickering lights, broken switches, unfamiliar odors, and hot fixtures are common. Many things could cause electrical problems in old houses.

We highly recommend that you seek the services of a licensed electrician to fix any electrical issues in your house instead of dealing with the problem on your own. Some of the most common sources of electrical issues include:

Faulty circuit breakers

Circuit breakers prevent damages that could arise from short-circuiting or current overloads. The circuit breaker works by interrupting the flow of current immediately it detects a fault in the flow of current. Therefore, if a circuit breaker trips once in a while, it simply means that the circuit breaker is doing its job by preventing fires that could result from overloads and also preventing overheating of the wires.

However, if the circuit breakers in your old house are repeatedly tripping, then it likely an indicator of an underlying electrical problem in the house. Do not panic if this is what has been going on. All you have to do is find a professional licensed electrician in Madison, WI to come to fix the circuit breakers or replace faulty ones.

Damaged knob and tube wiring

Most modern houses do not use knob and tube wiring electrical systems. However, older houses built between 70 and 130 years ago most likely have knob and tube electrical systems. Does your house have wires that run through porcelain cylinders inserted in holes underneath the joists of the wooden floor? If so, then the house has a knob and tube wiring.

A faulty knob and tube wiring have a high risk of shocks and even fires. The wiring tends to be very problematic because it cannot accommodate electrical appliances with three or more prolonged plugs. If you are using electrical appliances with three plugs in the house, you must have noticed shocks, flickering lights, and other electrical issues.

More problems arise with the knob and tube wiring when the insulation breaks down due to age, weather elements, alterations, and other factors. If the knob and tube wiring of your house is faulty or damaged, you can have system upgraded and rewired by a licensed electrician. Replace a knob and tube system can eliminate one of the most significant causes of home fires in the U.S.

Are you in need of an electrician in South Central Wisconsin to come and fix the electrical issues in your home? You are on the right track. Just give us a call today, and we will send one of our best electricians to check out the issue and advise you on the best way forward.