Business Energy Tips

At NIPSCO, we want to help you manage energy use for your business, office, school, commercial or industrial facilities in a way that helps your bottom line as much as possible. Here are simple tips that can result in savings for you and your business.

Lighting

  • Turn off lights when not in use.
  • Remove or disconnect unnecessary light fixtures.
  • Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs.
  • Replace or retrofit non-energy efficient light fixtures.
  • Install "occupant sensors" to automatically turn lights off and on.
  • Take advantage of "day lighting".
  • Lower light levels where appropriate such as around computer monitors.
  • Install LED (light-emitting diode) exit signs.
  • Install timers or photocells on outside lights.
  • Do not over light areas.

Water Heating/Conservation

  • Use hot water wisely. Set water temperature only as hot as needed. (Check your local codes for specifications for your business.)
  • Insulate hot water holding tanks and hot and cold water pipes.
  • Always buy the most efficient model possible.
  • Use less. Install faucet aerators and efficient showerheads.
  • Find and fix leaks.
  • When landscaping, practice xeriscaping by using plants native to your climate that require minimal watering and possess better pest resistance.

Refrigeration

  • Perform routine maintenance, such as vacuuming, to remove dust.
  • Turn off the lights in walk-in refrigerators.
  • Add strip curtains to refrigerated spaces without doors.
  • Defrost regularly.
  • Retrofit or replace old refrigerators and freezers.

Equipment

  • Turn off office equipment/machines when not in use, wherever possible. (Myth: Equipment lasts longer if it is never turned off.)
  • Unplug appliances/equipment or use power strips to eliminate “Phantom Loads” the phenomena of devices drawing power even when switched off.
  • Maintain your equipment to ensure efficient performance.
  • Use energy efficient computers and office equipment.
  • Make sure your motors and motor systems are running at optimum efficiency.
  • Buy Energy Star Qualified Products: Locate a Store; Find Special Offers.

Heating and Cooling (HVAC) Systems

  • Make sure your HVAC system is operating efficiently.
  • Inspect and clean or replace air filters on a regular basis.
  • Repair leaks in system components such as pipes, steam traps or couplings.
  • Adjust the thermostat during unoccupied times or install a programmable thermostat.
  • Reduce air conditioning hours.
  • Make sure radiators, air intake vents, etc., are not obstructed so that air can flow freely.
  • Use the Energy Star Building Checklist to cut down on winter heating costs.
  • Use the Energy Star Building Checklist to cut down on summer cooling costs.
  • Control direct sun through windows depending on season and climate.

Motor Management: Opportunities for Energy and Cost Savings

  • In 2004, the Department of Energy ranked “energy efficient motors and rewind practices" ninth of the top 20 energy savings opportunities for the industrial sector.
  • Electric motors make up the largest end use of electricity in the United States, accounting for approximately 60 - 70 percent electricity consumption in industrial applications. Energy expenditures can be 10 percent or more of total operating costs.
  • Electricity used by industrial motor-driven systems accounts for 25 percent of total electricity sales in the United States – representing the largest single category of electricity use in the country.
  • Studies show that optimizing industrial motor systems through the implementation of mature, proven, cost-effective energy-saving techniques can reduce U.S. industrial energy costs up to $5.8 billion per year.
  • Industrial customers benefit from improved control of production processes, reduction in waste materials and improved environmental compliance.
  • Savings are obtainable through cost-effective measures using mature efficiency technologies and practices.
  • The resulting energy savings could reduce carbon emissions by 15-26 million metric tons per year or the equivalent of keeping 3 million cars off the road.
  • Note: Used with permission. Copyright 2010 Consortium for Energy Efficiency.

Additional Energy Efficiency Resources:

Motor Decisions Matter

U. S. Department of Energ – Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy 

Energy Star - Business

Energy Star - Industry Specific Resources

U.S. Department of Energy

U.S. Department of Energ - Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy 

U.S. Energy Information Administration

Edison Electric Institute