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04/30/2012
My brother and I run a small business. We’re writing to you for a second opinion. Our situation is that we’ve got a pretty old central air conditioning system, consisting of one component outdoors and another indoors. The outdoor equipment works fine, but the unit inside the building failed. We want it replaced by summer and we told our heating/cooling contractor that we want the most energy efficient replacement. He said the thing to do is to replace both units. Can you explain why this would save energy? Dan: It sounds like your contractor is aware of a little-known fact about split systems (which is what you have): For smaller systems, efficiency ratings are given to matched components that have been tested together. If you buy only one of those components and install it with equipment from a different matched pair, you have no way of knowing what the system’s energy performance will be. Too often, business owners make this mistake and then pay more than expected, in energy costs, to run the system. Paul: If your current system were fairly new, it might be best to replace only your failed component (and to get a replacement that has been tested with the kind of outdoor unit you have). But with an aging system like yours, when one unit quits or is failing, it does make sense to go ahead and replace the pair with a matched set. You’ll avoid a scramble to find matching equipment when the outdoor component finally fails. Dan: A knowledgeable contractor like yours probably knows how to find matched components. For readers who’d like to give information to their own contractors, here are a couple of resources: The first is an online directory from AHRI (Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute), the organization that tests and rates equipment. This directory, at www.ahridirectory.org, enables visitors to enter model numbers to find the rated efficiency for matched components. Also, the Consortium for Energy Efficiency maintains a directory, at www.ceedirectory.org, that includes only AHRI-rated equipment that meets or exceeds ENERGY STAR® standards for energy savings. The information in these directories enables users to match a single, replacement component with a building’s functioning equipment or to find matched pairs for total replacement or new installations. Paul: There’s another reason, unrelated to energy efficiency, why it could make financial sense to replace both aging components when one fails. You see, both units must be able to use the same kind of refrigerant. You should know that most equipment that was manufactured five or more years ago requires a type of refrigerant that’s being phased out. So, if you replaced only your inside component now, you might run the risk of having to replace it again when the outdoor unit fails, due to lack of availability of equipment that uses the phased out refrigerant. Dan: Rebates are available from Efficiency Vermont for qualifying air conditioning systems. You can download a simple, mail-in rebate form and learn about the full range of rebates available for energy saving heating and ventilation equipment, lighting, and more at EfficiencyVermont.com/rebates. If you’re considering equipment that isn’t on the rebate form, contact Efficiency Vermont to ask if other financial incentives are available. Paul: Congratulations on taking steps to lower your overhead by investing in the energy efficiency of your cooling system. Thanks for writing in.
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03/30/2012
This is the year we’re going to do something about our energy bills. We want to start with lighting. In our business, we sell merchandise through catalogs, mail order, and a retail location. So, our building includes offices, a warehouse, and the store. We’re looking for advice on efficient lighting for all of these spaces. – ER, Rutland County Paul:
Great energy-saving options are available. We’re glad to give you information about upgrades that are typical for your three, distinct spaces. Dan:
In your offices, replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), and you’ll use as much as 75% less energy for those lamps. Also, replace any T12 fluorescent overhead lighting with high-performance T8s. Your energy savings could run from 35% to 50%. High-performance T8s are also are a great upgrade for warehouses that currently use high-pressure sodium or metal halide lighting. Paul:
Dan’s advice about office overhead lights also applies to general lighting for a retail store. And, if your store currently has screw-in halogens for merchandise display, use screw-in LEDs (light-emitting diodes) instead and your energy use for product display will drop by nearly 80%. With a light quality similar to halogens, these LEDs are ideal for displays because they provide directional rather than diffused lighting. Screw-in LEDs are also a great option for use in recessed cans. Dan:
All of these energy-saving lighting systems are designed to last much longer than older technologies, so they also can save you money on replacement costs and related maintenance installation costs. They run cooler too, so they can reduce cooling needs in some spaces. As importantly, the quality of light is equal to or better than traditional lighting. That quality can boost worker morale/productivity, provide greater safety, and create an improved retail environment that literally puts your merchandise in a better light and makes for a better shopping experience for your customers. Paul:
While you’re upgrading your lighting, it makes sense to consider occupancy sensors. Sensors save energy by automatically turning off lights in empty rooms and turning them on again when someone enters the space. These can be a good option for offices and for less-frequently used spaces, like rest rooms, break rooms, and storage areas. Dan:
I want to point out that reducing lighting energy costs is about more than the kind of equipment you use. Savings also come from locating and aiming your lights in a way to bring illumination only where you need it. With that kind of sensible lighting design, it’s possible to actually lower the amount of lighting you’ll need to buy. That means a smaller initial cost and lower utility bills going forward. Working with a lighting designer can increase energy savings by an average of 40% compared to simple one-for-one replacements of old lighting with new. Rebates are available, from Efficiency Vermont’s RELIGHT program, to Vermont businesses working with a professional lighting designer. Paul:
Efficiency Vermont also offers rebates for occupancy sensors and the energy-saving lighting we mentioned in this column. Go to EfficiencyVermont.com/rebates for information and for easy-to-use downloadable rebate forms for lighting, as well as for a range of other efficient equipment -- including heating and cooling systems, ventilation, refrigeration, and more. If you have questions, call Efficiency Vermont, toll-free, at 888-921-5990.
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02/27/2012
Before the economic downturn, I was considering energy-efficient lighting for my store. But with sales slow to recover and expenses continuing to rise, I’m not sure we can afford it right now. Still, I could use the lower energy bills I’d get with new lights. What’s the best financial move? - CM, Rutland County Dan: In this economy, putting money into improving your business's energy efficiency is one of the best investments you can make. The businesses that worked with Efficiency Vermont in 2010 are expected to earn a 50% average annual rate of return on their energy-saving investments over the lifetime of their new, efficient equipment. It's tough to imagine other investments with such solid return potential. Another good reason to take energy-saving actions now is the simple fact that waiting is expensive. In other words, deciding to do nothing is like volunteering to pay higher energy costs than necessary, month after month. Paul: If you’re having a hard time coming up with the capital for upgrades, I suggest looking into low-interest loans that are designed to enable businesses to pay for energy-saving projects with little upfront investment. Many Vermont businesses taking advantage of such arrangements can create a positive cash flow by obtaining energy savings that exceed financing payments. Go to the Efficiency Vermont Business Financing page to learn more. Dan: Also, rebates are available for specified energy efficient equipment purchases. Visit EfficiencyVermont.com/rebates to download easy-to-use mail in rebate forms. Additional rebates may be available for custom projects. If you have questions, give Efficiency Vermont a call, toll-free, at 888-921-5990. Paul: Your lighting upgrade is a great example of a wise investment. For example, if you have old T12 tubes in your overhead lighting fixtures, you’ll use 35-50% less energy by changing to High-Performance T8s. If you swap out your old incandescent light bulbs for LEDs, your energy savings can be as high as 80%. The quality of LEDs varies among manufacturers, but Efficiency Vermont can point you to top quality LEDs. Go to the Efficiency Vermont LED Rebate page to view the LED Commercial Eligible Products Guide and to learn about rebates. Dan: When sales are dropping or leveling, it makes financial sense to reduce operating expenses, like utility bills, instead of passing rising costs on to customers. And, unlike many other actions designed to increase revenue, such as expanding business hours or services, efficiency improvements don’t come with permanently higher expenses, like increased payroll. Paul: In addition to cutting energy costs, efficiency upgrades carry other benefits that can have a positive impact on your bottom line. For example, energy-saving lighting lasts longer, so you’ll save money on replacements and on the time it takes to change bulbs. Also, by improving illumination in your store, efficient lighting can have a positive impact on staff morale and productivity and can improve your customers’ experience while literally putting products in a better light. And some consumers are attracted to businesses that show a commitment to the environment by reducing energy use. Dan: Best of luck with your lighting project and thanks for a question that’s bound to help many Vermont business owners.
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01/24/2012
We run an insurance agency out of a small house that we bought and had converted into offices. Every winter, the staff is uncomfortable because the building is drafty. Plus, the heat bills are astronomical. Something has to be done, but I don’t know the answer. A new furnace? More insulation? Better windows? How do I find out? – KG, DH, Orange County Paul:
In a building like yours, your best first step is an energy audit. An audit will give you a whole-building view, looking at numerous factors that have an impact on your energy use and comfort. A qualified auditor will assess the air leakage in your building, check the insulation, look at the efficiency of your equipment (heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, etc) and make recommendations for improvements. This comprehensive view of a building yields higher energy savings than a piecemeal approach to efficiency upgrades. Dan:
I agree. I recommend bringing in a contractor who is certified by the Building Performance Institute. BPI-certified contractors are trained to understand the ways that a building and its systems interact to affect energy use, air movement, and air quality, as well as health and safety issues. After conducting the audit, the contractor can help you determine cost-effective ways to control your energy expenses and to improve your comfort in your building. Paul:
Depending on the type of property, Efficiency Vermont offers up to $7,500 to small-business owners who have energy audits and insulation upgrades completed by BPI contractors. View the full eligibility requirements and a list of participating BPI contractors. Dan:
If you find that equipment upgrades are warranted, be aware that Efficiency Vermont also offers rebates for a range of energy-saving equipment, such as efficient furnaces, boilers, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and refrigeration. Additional rebates may be available, so contact Efficiency Vermont if you don’t see certain equipment listed. Paul:
Best of luck making your office a less costly and more comfortable place. Thanks for writing in.
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12/19/2011
Q: I own a convenience store, so a lot of my electric bill is for my coolers. I’ve been hearing that there’s a way to bring outside air into a cooler during the winter to use less electricity. What can you tell me about this? How much can this save me? Any and all information appreciated. - GL, Lamoille County A:
Paul: What you’ve been hearing about is called an outside-air economizer, for walk-in coolers. It’s worth investigating for a store like yours, or for any business that relies on a walk-in cooler, such as a restaurant, grocery store, or beverage center. This equipment automatically brings outside air into a walk-in when outdoor temperatures fall below the cooler’s required temperature. Using the colder outside air instead of the walk-in’s compressor, condensing unit, and evaporator fans saves energy and money. Dan: Economizers are best in coolers where you store closed or packaged products, such as beverages, because the outdoor air could make exposed food dry. This technology can be particularly useful in a climate like ours. Vermont temperatures are cool enough for about 120 days per year to allow us to make good use of economizers. Savings can be in the $275 to $770 range each year, depending on factors like your cooler size and your store’s operating hours. You can save even more if you have an evaporator fan motor control installed with the economizer, because it will shut down some of the evaporator fans when the compressor isn’t running. Paul:Typically, for an economizer to be cost effective, the volume of a walk-in cooler needs to be at least 1,000 cubic feet (that’s volume ─ not square footage). However, other factors must be considered to optimize your investment, so it’s best to talk to a contractor who installs this equipment to determine if this is a good financial move for you. Economizer manufacturers will either do the installation or refer you to a list of qualified contractors in your area. If you need help finding manufacturers working with Vermont businesses, give Efficiency Vermont a call, toll-free: 888-921-5990. Dan: To install an economizer, a trained contractor will mount air-intake and exhaust equipment through the walk-in cooler room’s exterior wall as well as a control unit and efficient circulation fan(s), which will operate when evaporator fans are off. Typically, manufacturer-approved installers can also maintain and repair these systems. Paul: Efficiency Vermont offers financial incentives for economizers used in walk-in coolers with a volume of 1,000 cubic feet or more. Rebates are also available for other energy-saving refrigeration equipment and for efficient boilers, furnaces, ventilation, air conditioning, and lighting. You can download easy-to-use, mail-in rebate forms at EfficiencyVermont.com. Additional rebates may be available for custom projects, so contact Efficiency Vermont if you don’t see certain equipment listed.
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11/19/2011
Q: I run a gym, and the boiler we have won’t last beyond this winter. I want the new boiler to be as efficient as we can afford. What I’d like to know is what to look for and if any rebates are available for oil boilers. Thanks in advance. – TD, Windham County A:
Paul:
I assume that you’ve got good reason to think that it’s time to replace your boiler. But for readers who haven’t had your experience, I’ll state that first it makes sense to have a whole-building energy audit, to make sure your heating needs aren’t affected by envelope issues, and address those before anything else. Also, be sure to ask your heating service contractor or HVAC contractor to confirm that replacement will be cost effective. Dan:
To find the right high-efficiency boiler for your needs, the first step is to determine the heating output of your current boiler. If your heating output needs are 300 MBh or fewer, look for an ENERGY STAR® qualified model. That will get you a minimum efficiency of 85% AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency). For output of 300 to 500 MBh, look for 87% thermal efficiency. (In case you’re interested, an “MBh” is equal to 1,000 British Thermal Units per hour. A British ThermalUnit is a standard measure of heat.) Paul:
True enough. Rebates are available from Efficiency Vermont, for efficient #2 fuel oil or liquid propane (LP) gas boilers and furnaces. Additionally, there are rebates for energy-efficient furnaces (forced hot air) which can provide both fuel and electrical savings, by incorporating energy efficient fan motors along with an efficient combustion system. Visit the EfficiencyVermont.com HVAC section to download an easy-to-use, mail-in rebate application. For readers who buy heating fuel through Vermont Gas Systems (VGS), contact VGS about rebate availability. Dan:
Seeing as you run a gym, I’m guessing that your building uses a fair amount of hot water for showers and possibly for laundry. For some businesses with ongoing hot-water needs (like inns, restaurants, gyms, day care centers, laundries, etc.), it may make financial sense to use a boiler to heat water as well. This entails replacing a stand-alone water heater with a similarly-sized water tank, which operates as a new zone off the boiler. The energy-saving benefits of this approach depend on the particular needs of your business, so ask your heating service contractor if this is a good move for you. Paul:
Efficiency Vermont can also help you get started with an energy audit, and offers rebates for a range of efficient equipment including lighting, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and more. Learn more about the rebates and other savings programs in the EfficiencyVermont.com Ways to Save and Rebates section or by calling toll-free, at 888-921-5990.
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10/24/2011
Dear Vermonters, We usually use this column to answer your business-related energy efficiency questions; but since Tropical Storm Irene, business has been anything but usual. Since the first reports of widespread damage came in, all of us at Efficiency Vermont have been working as quickly as possible to adapt our programs to help with rebuilding. Our own Chuck Clerici, from Wilmington, wrote in two days after the flood, “The storm hit much earlier and with much more force than anyone expected. The losses are heartbreaking, the worst by far being the death of Ivana Taseva – a wonderful young woman who’d just recently moved here from Macedonia. In addition, many of our families have been displaced and almost every business has incredible damage. I know other towns are dealing with similar tragedies and our hearts go out to them.” Chuck isn’t a particularly sentimental guy, but there’s no question he’s Vermonter at heart — thinking of others even in the midst of his own town’s hard times. The past few weeks, as challenging as they have been, have shown Vermonters at their best, banding together to get back on our feet. Housing each other, feeding one another, and doing what needs to be done. Later in his note, Chuck writes, “Many of the businesses that rebuild will have an opportunity to improve their building shells, HVAC, lighting, and refrigeration. I will be offering my assistance to all businesses on this front. I may wish to call on some of my peers with expertise to pitch in. Stay tuned…” We were all on the same page. As the state efficiency utility, our main focus needs to remain on energy efficiency, but we can help those rebuilding with both financial and technical assistance, and also ensure that wherever possible, buildings are more efficient and less expensive to operate. Here’s what we have in place: For small businesses (and homeowners) beginning to repair or rebuild: We are offering free, objective moisture assessments and air sealing for affected areas, with energy efficiency and safety in mind. You can call our Customer Support staff at 888-921-5990 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to schedule your assessment. Funding for this free program is limited, and availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. For those who are replacing damaged or missing equipment: We are offering financial assistance on a wide range of energy efficient replacement equipment. Please visit EfficiencyVermont.com/Irene or call us at 888-921-5990 for the full details. To all of you who have been affected by the storm, our thoughts are you. As Chuck writes in his letter, “Our town is very sad, but the spirit of Vermont is alive and well. We couldn’t agree more. Sincerely, Paul and Dan
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08/31/2011
Q: My business has been at our current location for less than a year. My staff tells me they’re often adjusting the heat or the air conditioning because it’s either too cold or too hot and stuffy. Meanwhile, my utility bills are sky high. I’m hoping to avoid a full-scale overhaul of the space – what do I do?
- BH, Caledonia County
A:
Paul:
I would start by looking at your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system, to see that it’s meeting your specific needs. Many Vermont businesses are able to lower energy costs by hundreds to thousands of dollars per year this way, depending on building size. In addition to lowering energy costs and increasing your comfort, the right HVAC system may improve indoor air quality. Dan:
An HVAC contractor will probably start by looking at your controls — these may be as simple as a wall-mounted thermostat or as complex as a facility-wide, computerized setup, depending on your HVAC system. He or she can determine if your existing controls can be programmed to respond to your facility’s changing conditions, taking into account your hours of operation, the size of your facility, and the impact of activities in the building 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 simply broken, even though you’re in a new space. It could be as simple as a blown fuse. Dan:
If you have a mechanical service contract, ask if a routine 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 time to replace or upgrade your equipment, look into rebates offered by Efficiency Vermont. Rebates are available for specified efficient equipment, including boilers, furnaces, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, refrigeration, and motors. You can download rebate forms and find contractors at our Find a Contractor page, and additional rebates may be available for custom projects, so contact Efficiency Vermont if you don’t see certain equipment listed.
Dan:
Best of luck with lowering your costs and improving your comfort. Thanks for writing in!
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07/30/2011
Q: While an electrician was doing some wiring work in my store, he said that I’m overpaying for lighting. He said that my overhead fluorescent tubes are T12s and that they’re energy wasters. He offered to get me low-energy lights called HPT8s that he says work as well. This is the first time I’ve had him in the store since my old electrician retired. What’s your take on his advice? - WT, Windsor County, VT A:
Dan: Your new electrician knows what he’s talking about. In fact, by federal law, T12s won’t be manufactured after July 14, 2012 because of their high energy use. As for HPT8s (High Performance T8s), they’re exactly what I’d recommend. They use up to 50% less energy than T12s and can last as much as twice as long, which means less cost to you for future tube replacements and associated maintenance time. HPT8s also provide better quality light than T12s and, because they operate cooler, can mean lower air conditioning costs in certain spaces. Paul: From a financial standpoint, your electrician couldn’t have chosen a better time to give his advice. Efficiency Vermont is offering special, higher rebates that cover up to 50% of the equipment costs (and, in some cases, even more) of specified replacements for T12s. These rebates also apply to upgrades from HID high-bay lighting systems. Be aware that these rebates are good only for installations completed by December 1, 2011. Dan: It’s also important to keep in mind that, because T12s won’t be manufactured after 2012, you eventually won’t be able to find replacements for burned-out T12s. Paul: That’s right, so the bottom line is: You’ll have to replace your T12s eventually and this is the most cost-effective time to do it. That’s not only because of Efficiency Vermont’s limited-time rebates, but also because you’ll start reaping the benefits of lower electricity costs and higher-quality lighting sooner. And based on typical commercial use (10 hours per weekday), the new HPT8 bulbs will last up to 10 years before you need to replace them. Dan: I should point out that there’s a way to get even bigger energy savings from this lighting change. (And there’s a rebate connected to this too. More on that from Paul, below.) Whenever I talk with a business owner who is planning a lighting upgrade, I explain that energy savings come from more than just the kind of lighting you choose. Savings also come from locating and aiming your lights in a way to illuminate only where you need it. With that kind of sensible lighting design, it’s possible to actually reduce the amount of lighting you’ll need to buy. That means a lower initial cost and lower utility bills. Paul: The rebate Dan just mentioned is available to Vermont businesses working with a professional lighting designer. Depending on building type, size, and energy savings, it typically covers 50 to 100% of the lighting designer’s audit cost. Working with a lighting designer can increase energy savings by an average of 40% compared to simple one-for-one replacements of old lighting with new. Quality lighting design also can provide more uniform light, improved light levels, better visibility, and enhanced safety. And a well-lit space can mean higher staff morale and productivity as well as a retail environment where customers prefer to shop. Dan: To get T12-replacement rebates, check out the newLIGHT program. To learn about lighting designer rebates and to find a list of participating designers, check out the RELIGHT Lighting Design Program. Also at Efficiency Vermont’s site, you can find rebate forms for a range of energy-saving lighting and equipment purchases. Good luck with your lighting upgrade and congratulations on choosing a knowledgeable electrician.
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06/30/2011
Q: Before the economic downturn, I was considering energy-efficient lighting for my general store. But with sales slow to recover and expenses continuing to rise, I’m not sure we can afford it right now. Still, I could use the lower energy bills I’d get with new lights. What’s the best financial move? - CM, Rutland Paul: In this economy, putting money into improving your business's energy efficiency is one of the best investments you can make. The businesses that worked with Efficiency Vermont to make energy-saving investments in 2010 are expected to earn a 50% average annual rate of return over the lifetime of their new, efficient equipment. It's tough to imagine other investments with such solid return potential. Another good reason to take energy-saving actions now is the simple fact that waiting is expensive. In other words, deciding to do nothing is like volunteering to pay higher energy costs than necessary, month after month. Dan: Your lighting upgrade is a great example of a wise investment. If you were, for example, to replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), you'd reduce lighting-energy costs by as much as 75%. CFLs also can last as much as 10-times longer. For overhead tube lighting, High-Performance T8s use as much up to 20% less energy than standard T8s and up to 50% less than T12s, and outlast either of them. Paul: When sales are dropping or leveling, it makes solid financial sense to reduce operating expenses, like utility bills, instead of passing rising costs on to customers. And, unlike many other actions designed to increase revenue, such as expanding business hours or services, efficiency improvements don’t need to come with permanently higher expenses, like increased payroll. Dan: In addition to energy savings, efficiency upgrades carry other benefits that can have a positive impact on your bottom line. Quality efficient lighting and/or HVAC systems can reduce maintenance and replacement costs. Upgrades can improve comfort for customers, who may want to shop in your store longer and return more often. A more pleasant store environment also can improve staff morale and productivity while literally putting products in a better light. And some consumers are attracted to businesses that show a commitment to the environment by reducing energy use. Paul: If you’re finding it tough to come up with the capital for facility upgrades, visit the Financing page to learn about financing arrangements. You’ll see approaches such as low-interest loans, designed to pay for energy-saving upgrades with little upfront investment from you, while providing you with more cash on hand. Many Vermont businesses taking advantage of such arrangements can create a positive cash flow by obtaining energy savings that exceed financing payments. Dan: Also at this website, you’ll find easy-to-use, downloadable forms, which you can mail in to get rebates for specified energy-efficient equipment purchases. Additional rebates may be available for custom projects. If you have any questions, give Efficiency Vermont a call, toll-free, at 888-9210-5990. Paul: Best of luck with your lighting project and thanks for a question that’s bound to help many Vermont business owners.
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