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COMMERCIAL BUILDING MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR THE FALL

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Source: Allied Ins. 

During the fall season, the temperature gradually decreases, which means that winter is also coming.

Fall is the best time for building managers or property owners to think about routine maintenance for their commercial buildings to keep their tenants safe and to avoid costly repairs down the road.

This article will talk about commercial building maintenance tips that you can do in the fall.

Get an HVAC Inspection or a Tune-Up

Apart from changing the air filters every two to three months, it’s essential that you get a tune-up or a thorough inspection of your HVAC system at least a month before the cold weather sets in.

A licensed technician can diagnose and resolve a potential problem to keep your system running efficiently with a tune-up. This routine maintenance won’t only make your tenants comfortable, but it can also save you money in the long run.

Schedule a Roof Inspection

Keep in mind that the insurance company may not cover roof repairs or replacement, especially when the property owner failed to maintain the roof. Getting a roof inspection also helps you prevent costly problems such as water damage or other issues. Hire a licensed and insured roofer for the inspection to avoid accidents and to ensure a good job.

Check the Electrical Components

To prevent electrical problems, ensure that you check all of the electronic appliances and their components. Make sure that they are in good condition. If you’re using seasonal heaters, turn them off when unused.

Check your smoke detectors and your backup generators to ensure that they will work. If possible, hire a licensed electrician to do all these. They can perform maintenance to the entire electrical system to avoid emergencies.

Check Your Plumbing

Hire a licensed plumber to check the entire system, especially those exposed pipes. You need to also inspect the faucets and the irrigation systems.

The pipes have to be well insulated to prepare for the colder weather because when the temperature reaches below zero, the water inside exposed pipes could freeze and may expand and burst. You don’t want any water damage to your commercial property because repairs may cost you a fortune.

Inspect the Gutters and Clean the Interior of the Building

Falling leaves could affect your gutter system, so make sure that they are clear to avoid problems. It’s also best for you to deep clean the interior of the building, especially since colder temperatures are coming. Disinfect the common areas to prevent flu and other illnesses.

Check the Foundation of the Building

The fall is also time to look for any visible cracks in the building’s foundation and ensure that you contact a professional if there are issues. Check the windows and doors, and if they’re working properly. Contact a professional if you need assistance.

DON’T IGNORE MINOR PROBLEMS

Remember, most emergencies don’t happen overnight. They happen because the property owners either failed to perform maintenance or ignored problems that need attention.

Always get in touch with a professional technician or contractor if you need help.

Reach out to ESP if you have any questions!

The Advantages of Parking Lot Lighting

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The Advantages of Parking Lot Lighting

By Charlotte Bonita – Commercial Lighting Blogger 

There are a number of advantages to parking lot lighting than you might have initially thought. These can come in the form of design, professionalism, and security. Just as installing lighting will have advantages in the safety of pedestrians, it can also include advances in design, professional status, and attraction of a business. Have a look at the following pros of parking lot lighting, and why it is something you should consider.

Protecting Your Business

Installing parking lot lighting protects your business in terms of the security and safety of your business’s assets. If your business has an unlit parking lot, then it’s more likely to attract unwanted attention from thieves and burglars who are looking to stay out of sight before potentially performing a break-in.

If a building becomes attractive to the wrong kind of audience, expensive computers and other equipment are at stake, and there is no guarantee, despite security systems, that robbery will not be attempted during the late hours of the night.

While it is advisable to install security systems or cameras alongside parking lot lighting to ensure the highest level of security and prevention of risks, parking lot lighting is a factor that will help towards lowering the risk of criminal activities.

Protecting Pedestrians

Installing lighting into a parking lot also improves the safety of on goers and pedestrians. While a dark parking lot can be a perfect lurking spot for criminals and thieves, a well-lit-up area creates a safer environment for passers-by and local pedestrians.

Parking lot lighting also creates a safer environment for employees who might be working late or leaving their car in the parking lot. It gets dark early in winter and fall, which means staff who might be walking to their car on their way home are far more likely to get robbed than if the area was completely illuminated.

It is also a safety precaution in terms of driving in the pitch-black darkness, as pulling out of a parking space is a lot harder in this case. To prevent any unnecessary accidents, installing parking lot lighting can help.

Design

The installments of lights in a parking lot can not only improve the safety and security of the area and your business’s assets but can also create a better sense of environment and design. Lighting will illuminate the parking lot as well as the building where the business is present, making it stand out and look more presentable.

Professionalism

Installing parking lot lighting gives the building and business a higher professional status, making it appear well kitted out and ready for any clients who might come to visit.

Businesses that don’t have parking lot lighting installed will appear less practical than those who do, and clients visiting for meetings will be safer if the area is lit.

Overall, parking lot lighting might seem like an extra mile to go, but in fact, the extra mile you go will heighten the level of safety, security, design, and professionalism a business already possesses.

If you are interested in upgrading any lighting design for your business you need to first contact the professionals at ESP! We will help you from there!

Business Energy-Saving Tips

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12 Small Business Energy-Saving Tips

By: constellation.com

  1. Get an energy audit. An energy audit can help determine your baseline energy use and offer a clear outline for ways to save energy at work. A professional will then come out to your business and do a full inspection of your location to check for air leaks, insulation issues, or opportunities to install energy-efficient lighting. Contact ESP services to get started!

  2. Purchase energy-efficient office equipment. Before you buy or lease office electronics, check to see if they are ENERGYSTAR-rated. An ENERGYSTAR-rated appliance has been evaluated and deemed energy-efficient, which can save you money and help you manage your small business energy costs, especially in the long run.
  3. Reduce Peak Demand. One of the best ways to save electricity in an office is to reduce your peak demand. The phrase “peak demand” refers to the hours in a day when energy usage is at its highest. Peak demand times are typically normal office hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). You can reduce your demand during this time by staggering work hours/start times, running heavy equipment and factory equipment during the evening and early morning hours, and conserving energy throughout the day.
  4. Program your thermostats. This is one of those office energy-saving tips that is especially relevant for a 9-5 workplace. You don’t need to heat or cool a workplace after everyone has gone home for the night. Even if your team’s hours vary, using programmable or smart thermostats to manage the temperature during “off” hours can make a big difference. 

  5. Turn off lights when not in use. It might seem like a no-brainer, but in a typical office, lights stay on in areas like break rooms, bathrooms, or conference rooms, even when those spaces aren’t being used. Sensor lights can help to keep the lights on when needed, but off when they’re not.
  6. Use energy-efficient light bulbs. It’s one of the easiest and simplest energy-saving ideas in the workplace: switch out your regular incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs such as CFL or LED. This will help you use a significantly less amount of electricity.
  7. Take advantage of natural sunlight. If you’re fortunate enough to have an office space where there’s abundant natural light, use it! On a sunny day, you might not need to turn on the lights at all in areas where windows can give all the illumination you need. While using passive solar heating might not seem like one of the ways to save energy at work, it really does help. The fewer kilowatt-hours of energy you use, the less you have to pay.
  8. Start running fans. You can reduce your energy usage in the workplace simply and easily by running fans in offices, warehouses, showrooms, and kitchens. Fans keep air flowing so your HVAC unit can run more efficiently.
  9. Power down computers and other office equipment at the end of the day. If computers are not being used through the hours when your staff isn’t working, have your team be in the habit of shutting them down before they leave. Turning off and unplugging as many devices as possible at the end of the day is a simple way to cut back. This includes energy efficient coffee makers, toasters, and similar appliances.
  10. Prevent “Phantom energy”. Phantom energy is the energy that is still being used by equipment that remains plugged in but not in use. A great office energy-saving tip is to have your computer peripherals (printers, monitors, etc.) connected to power strips (aka “surge protectors”) so that the flip of a single switch can shut down several devices at a time.
  11. Think outside your building. Are you in control of the landscaping around your business? If so, you have a great opportunity to create energy savings for your small business with energy-efficient landscaping. Strategically planting trees to block winds or provide shade on hot summer days can help reduce your heating and cooling costs.
  12. Get employees engaged in energy-efficient practices. If you, as the business owner, are looking to reduce electricity costs, that’s great! But that may only get you so far. Inspiring employees to be energy-efficient in their day-to-day work lives may take some time, but check out our page on Improving Employee’s Energy-Saving Practices to see tips and tricks on how to raise morale while lowering small business energy costs.

Have more questions? Contact ESP today!

Why You Need a Commercial Electrician for Your Business

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Source: United Electrical

If you’re a business owner or in charge of property management, there’s a good chance you’ve considered, or gone forward with, hiring an electrician for your business’s electrical needs. Therefore, you likely understand the importance of keeping your workplace safe from electrical hazards. It’s difficult finding a licensed, high-quality, and trusted electrician. This is especially true once you’ve invested a large amount of money into a new project or major repair. Researching potential electricians can be confusing because of the different types of electricians available for hire. For example, some electricians offer expertise on a very specialized and centralized focus while others provide services for all standard electrical needs. How will you know which type of electrician is right for your business? Luckily a commercial electrician specializes in business electrical needs.

 

Choosing the Right Commercial Electrician

Above all, you need an experienced commercial electrician who’s performed quality commercial electrical work for at least a few years. An electrician with more experience is likely going to have more knowledge about finding solutions for the problems your business faces. A good commercial electrician is adaptable, flexible, and creative. This is especially necessary for businesses needing a quick electrical solution or advice on a specific type of building. Hire a commercial electrician with relevant and up-to-date licenses and certifications. A high-quality commercial electrician continuously updates their education and training and remains current on the proper codes to abide by safety regulations.

Additionally, a good commercial electrician works easily with a variety of people, including business owners, builders, and commercial contractors. They also need excellent communication and listening skills for communicating effectively and relaying what needs to be done for a project to reach successful completion.

 

How Your Business Benefits From a Commercial Electrician

Virtually any and every business requires electricity for some aspect of their business. Licensed electrical contractors know everything there is to know about electrical systems. That being said, they can suggest ways of reducing the electricity usage of your business. They can also recommend repairs and fixes if any electrical equipment is experiencing problems. Here are some reasons why hiring a commercial electrician is beneficial for your business:

Commercial Lighting

Proper visibility and lighting are crucial for making sure your employees are working to the best of their abilities. There are a variety of different lighting options available. Therefore, every business owner must choose the right type for their building. Automated lighting systems are one modern lighting solution for businesses. Automated lights minimize electrical waste and save your business money.

Electrical Codes

You already have a lot on your plate and worrying about electrical regulations and electrical codes isn’t high on your list of priorities for running your business. With this in mind, licensed electrical contractors uphold the electrical codes for each location they’re operating in. Business owners can be certain the electrical work the commercial electrician they hire does is in compliance with the various codes. This is crucial for employee safety and adherence to legal standards. Keep in mind that a residential electrician may not be as familiar with codes and regulations for business. Therefore, hire a licensed commercial electrician for peace of mind.

Spotting Electrical Hazards

Furthermore, commercial electrical contractors have specialized skills and training for identifying potential workplace safety hazards. A commercial electrician spots hidden issues and problems. This helps minimizes the risks of electrical fires and other electrical dangers.

 

 

Hiring a Commercial Electrician for Moving Your Business’ Location

Hiring a commercial electrician is necessary when moving the location of your business. You’ll need to know what needs to get done before moving everything into a new building. It’s very important to know what’s going to be done with your existing equipment and if you’ll be receiving any additional equipment and devices.

Hire a commercial electrician like the ones at Electrical Service Professionals when moving your business to a new location. Keep in mind that the type of location you’re moving to makes a big difference as well. Will you be in a new office? A restaurant/? A store? As an example, a restaurant could have 20 or more separate pieces of equipment and machinery that require electrical connections, certain voltage levels, and different levels of lighting. This type of electrical work requires a licensed commercial electrician to evaluate the electrical needs of your business before and after moving. Take these steps to make sure you have everything in place for your new location:

Step 1: Gather All Necessary Information

Make sure you have all the information ready before the commercial electrician arrives on the worksite including:

  • The type of machinery and equipment that needs to be moved
  • The voltage that each piece of equipment requires
  • How many machines and how much equipment you have
  • Locations of phone lines, computers, network equipment, cash registers, etc.
  • The type of lighting you’re considering or what’s already installed (high bay lighting, recessed lighting, low voltage lighting, automated lighting, etc.)

Therefore, without any of this information, your commercial electrician will be lost and spend a lot of their time trying to figure out the answers to these questions. As always, if you need help with anything electrical-related, like the type of lighting that would be best for your business, we’ll be happy to come to your location and figure out a few options for you.

Step 2: Electrical Evaluation

Next, call up the electricians at Electrical Service Professionals to come to your new site and figure out what electrical work needs to be done.

Step 3: Permit Process and Electrical Drawings

After receiving all of the information and suggestions from the commercial electrician, begin the electrical permit process for the location of your new business. During this process, an electrical engineer creates a plan for the township detailing the electrical work and project. This is how you get your electrical permit.

Step 4: Beginning Electrical Work

Once all of your electrical work has been approved and you’ve received your permit, Electrical Service Professionals will begin on your project. Introductory work includes running new electrical wires, installing new lighting, and any other necessary preliminary work.

Never try to cut corners or save money by hiring an unlicensed electrician to perform electrical work. Additionally, it’s best to even steer clear of a commercial electrician without a quality reputation. Choosing the wrong commercial electrician for your business can delay your opening time and increase your stress.  Looking for electricians you can trust, look no further than Electrical Service Professionals! We are a certified team of licensed electricians offering commercial, and industrial electrical services. Click here to get in touch for your next electrical project!

How You Can Prevent the Negative Effects of Power Outages

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By: fosterfuelsmissioncritical.com

Even with advanced technology and hardware, events like harsh weather can occur which cause unplanned power outages. Make sure you prepare your business for a short-term or long-term power outage. By ensuring your company takes the following precautions to prepare for an outage, you will help prevent the long-term negative impacts a power outage can have:

1. Business Continuity Plans

Developing a business plan for power outages prepares your company in case a disaster occurs. A continuity plan helps outline how to continue to deliver products and services to your customers regardless of any internal operational problems that may occur because of outages. Having a plan will help ensure that personnel and assets are protected and can still function properly.

To develop a plan, you should create a committee and work together to identify potential risks you might experience and how those risks will impact your operations. The next part of your plan should include implementing procedures to help mitigate those risks.

After you have created your business continuity plan, you should ensure that all of your procedures work by testing and practicing them. Don’t forget to continuously check and review the process to ensure everything is up-to-date and working as expected.

2. Emergency Response Training

An important step after creating your plan is to educate your employees and test their emergency response with drills. Having drills will help you be able to evaluate the ability of your employees to complete their job assignments in the event of an emergency.

3. Install a UPS Device

One way to help prevent your company’s computers from being damaged or losing data stored in RAM is to use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) device. UPS devices help equipment to stay on temporarily when a power outage occurs. These devices allow equipment time to shut down properly. Many UPS devices also have surge protection to help mitigate damage to computers from spikes.

4. Have a Backup Generator

Backup power sources are essential for many industries. Having a backup generator is a simple way to prevent unplanned downtime from power outages. To determine the proper generator size your company will need, take inventory of the equipment the generator will need to power. Skilled technicians can help you determine the proper backup generator for your business needs and install it correctly.

You have the option to purchase a portable or standby generator. Portable generators tend to be lower in cost and wattage and run on gasoline. For larger businesses, standby generators are the ideal solution. Standby generators are more expensive and run on diesel, natural gas, or propane. They automatically turn on when the power goes out to help your operations continue during power outages.

5. Emergency Backup Fuel

Ensuring that your company has a backup generator may not be enough. You will need to maintain and test your fuel to ensure that you have high-quality fuel to operate your generator in case of an emergency power outage. Scheduling regular tank maintenance can help confirm that your generators are working properly and will be ready for a critical situation. Using fuel additives and fuel polishing can also increase your fuel efficiency and quality.

Luckily, if you are out of fuel during an outage or the fuel you have has become unusable, there are emergency fuel delivery services that can help you out. Finding a fuel delivery service can enable you to get your business back up and running so you won’t lose out on additional revenue during a longer-than-anticipated power outage.

Prepare Your Business for a Power Outage

Power outages can occur at unexpected times and for a variety of reasons. They can cause your business to come to a halt. Don’t let your business lose out on revenue or productivity. Make sure your business is ready in the event that your organization faces an unplanned power outage. Start preparing today by creating a business continuity plan for power outages, getting an appropriately sized backup generator, and ensuring you have high-quality fuel to continue operating your generator.

5 Reasons to Upgrade to LEDs in 2021

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No matter what kind of business you’re in, cutting down your utility costs is one of the real “low hanging fruits” of long-term success. Whether you operate a retail store, office building, manufacturing space, or warehouse, monthly energy bills can be one of the largest expenses that you have.

As the economy is fixing for a rebound, 2021 is the perfect time to make an investment in your company’s energy systems. Upgrading to energy efficient LEDs is more affordable than it has ever been, and lenders seem more willing than ever to help with commercial projects.

Still haven’t made the leap to LED lighting? Here are 5 reasons why 2021 might be the year you were waiting for:

There are more utility rebates available than ever

Contrary to popular belief, utility companies do not want to grow. Every new power facility requires a significant infrastructure investment, lowering their per-customer profit by a significant margin. For this reason, utility and energy companies have started offering LED utility rebates.

These rebates make the cost of energy saving projects like commercial LED retrofits much more affordable, even for small businesses.

Check with your utility company to see which rebates are available before you make any purchases.

Prices for commercial LED lighting systems are low compared to previous years

LED lighting systems and LED light bulbs have become more affordable in recent years. While one reason for this is a flood of lower-quality LED products, the bigger reason is that LED production has simply become more efficient. Today, even the highest quality LED bulbs are not nearly as expensive as they used to be.

A slow economy can be a good time to invest in infrastructure and technology

According to some financial experts, an economic downturn might be the perfect time to invest in your company’s equipment and technology. Financing rates are much lower during a downturn, making it possible to save big on large-scale projects like LED retrofits. In addition, LED installation experts are offering additional price incentives to encourage businesses to continue to support LED.

Dynamic LED lighting systems can reduce employee turnover as your company grows

A high-quality commercial LED lighting system can actually make your employees more satisfied with their workplace. In fact, some studies have shown light quality to be within the top 3 factors affecting employee job satisfaction.

Because onboarding is a significant expense and time-drain, increasing employee retention is an easy way to save a lot of money.

Lower energy bills can stimulate your company’s financial rebound

As most business owners can tell you, it’s all about the bottom line. That means that every month, you’re hoping to spend less than you make. Investing in a commercial LED lighting system is an investment that pays out in short order, dramatically reducing your energy bill and paying for itself in a short few years.

Lowering your company’s energy bill can make your cash flow numbers more attractive, while only increasing your total liabilities by a small amount.

No matter which route you choose, be sure to consult with an LED lighting expert to maximize your rate of return.

Winter Energy Tips for Commercial Buildings

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Energy Tips for Commercial Buildings

Source: Dept. Of Energy & Environment

No-Cost Tips

  • Adjust your thermostat. In the summer, set your thermostat to 78 degrees when the workplace is occupied, and 85 degrees or off after business hours. In the winter, set your thermostat to 68 degrees when the workplace is occupied, and 60-65 degrees or off after business hours. You can save up to 3% for each degree the thermostat is raised in the summer and lowered in the winter. Using ceiling or room fans improves air circulation.
  • Reduce your lighting. A general rule is that a light should be off when no one is present. Turn off lights in unoccupied areas, remove excess lighting and turn off signage and other lights not necessary for security and safety.
  • Be energy smart with office equipment. Turn off office equipment or set it to “power down” when not in use. Setting computers, monitors, and copiers to use sleep-mode when not in use helps cut energy costs by approximately 40%. Remember to turn equipment off at the end of the workday.
  • Use shades and blinds. On hot days, draw the curtains and/or shades to keep the sun out. Remember to close doors to the outside to keep in cooler air.

Low-Cost Tips

  • Install efficient lighting. There are a number of low-cost solutions a business can invest in to make its lighting much more efficient and save money in the long run. For example: replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents, which can last up to nine times longer; upgrade fluorescent lighting fixtures to high-efficiency equipment; replace incandescent lights in exit signs with LED fixtures. This can reduce costs of these signs by up to 95%.
  • Install programmable thermostats. Programmable thermostats or time clocks can automatically control temperature settings and save energy.
  • Use “smart” power strips. These sense the presence or absence of office workers and turn the attached equipment on or off accordingly.
  • Maintain your HVAC system. Perform regular maintenance to keep your heating and air conditioning systems running more efficiently.

Investment Tips

  • Retrofit lighting. Convert T12 lights and magnetic ballast to T8 lights and electronic ballast. Install occupancy sensors, which can reduce lighting costs by up to 40%. Convert hallway and non-public security lighting to energy-saving 25-watt T12 bulbs. Convert TV surveillance cameras to newer equipment, which may not require floodlighting.
  • Weatherize buildings. Install awnings, solar shade screens or sun-control film for windows, and apply a heat-blocking coating to your roof.
  • Install an Energy Management System. An EMS will control heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment and lighting systems automatically to maximize efficiency and savings.
  • Buy ENERGY STAR products. ENERGY STAR certified equipment and products use less energy than other products, save money on utility bills, and help protect the environment. Establish a business policy of only buying ENERGY STAR certified equipment such as computers, monitors, and printers.

 

Building and Design Tips

  • General cooling measures. Think about using “green” design features. Use evaporative cooling wherever possible. Attempt to use natural ventilation and light surfaces. Encourage daylighting of interior spaces in the design. Surround all buildings and cover parking lots with trees to reduce local environmental temperatures. Specify light-colored aggregates for local access road and sidewalk pavements.
  • Landscaping and use of shade. Combine architectural features and shading so that a minimum of the building envelope is exposed to the sun. Design landscaping around the building and over parking areas so that no parking area is exposed to the sun. This will not only reduce the heat build-up in parked vehicles, but will reduce the temperature of air blowing against the building by 6 to 8 degrees.
  • Combined heat and power systems. Often there is a balance between the heat requirements of an institution and its electrical needs. This energy match means that the waste heat from a small electrical generator can be used to generate electricity.
  • Solar power on rooftops. Consider installing solar electric collectors and/or solar hot water collectors on the roof. Ensure that the building design includes adequate support for the deadweight load and the wind stress, and all conduits for pipes or wires.
  • Water, gas and ventilation. Design a gray water collection system for irrigating landscaping. If natural gas is unavailable, consider ground source heat pumps. Design public space ventilation to respond to occupancy needs with such features as carbon dioxide detectors. Avoid air curtains that allow air leakage from conditioned spaces. Pressurize and test all ducts for leakage before dropped ceilings are installed.
  • Engineering requirements. Be sure that Performance Assurance or building commissioning is included in the engineering services provided by the engineer.

Cost Saving Solutions & Commercial Buildings

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Quick fixes

Many large office buildings can benefit from quick low-cost/no-cost energy-saving solutions, such as turning things off, turning things down, and keeping up with cleaning and maintenance.

Turning things off

Turning things off seems simple, but remember that for every 1,000 kWh that you save by turning things off, you save $100 on your utility bill (assuming average electricity costs of 10 cents per kWh).

Computers and Monitors

Computers and other electronic equipment are ubiquitous in large office buildings and can contribute up to 20% of overall energy consumption. You can gain significant energy savings by verifying that computer power-management settings are enabled on individual computers and monitors, forcing them to enter sleep mode after a specified period of inactivity. Effective power management settings can cut a computer’s electricity use roughly in half, saving up to $75 annually per computer. Although most computers are now shipped with some sort of power management settings enabled, they may be disabled or made less effective by users or internal IT, and can often be made more rigorous to maximize energy savings. For more information, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers detailed instructions on Energy Star’s The Business Case for Power Management page. Some users may be concerned that automatic software updates will be inhibited if power management settings are enabled, but that’s not the case; updates can automatically begin to download when the computer awakens from sleep mode.

Other office equipment and plug loads

Like computers, devices such as printers, fax machines, and coffeemakers often have energy-reduction settings that can yield substantial energy savings. Additionally, consider supplying employees with smart power strips with occupancy sensors, which are an easy way to shut off their often-forgotten energy users such as personal printers, monitors, desk lamps, radios, clocks.

Lights

Lights should be turned off when not in use, but many people forget to take this step. When properly installed, occupancy sensors and timers can do this for you. A no-cost option is to simply train staff to turn off lights as part of their closing procedures (you can also help by posting a notice that identifies the locations of light switches).

Space heaters

Space heaters are energy hogs, drawing 1 kilowatt (kW) or more of power. As a first step, plug heaters into power strips controlled by occupancy sensors (other loads such as task lights and monitors can also be plugged into the power strips). Also recognize that the perceived need for individual space heating usually indicates poor HVAC system control.

Chilled-water drinking fountains and water coolers

Water fountains generally don’t need to provide ice-cold water 24 hours a day unless it’s required for health reasons. In most cases, you can turn off the cooling systems in drinking fountains. Likewise, water coolers generally don’t need to need to be turned on 24 hours a day. The average office water cooler consumes about 800 kWh per year. Because much of this energy is from standby losses, a simple method of cutting energy waste is to attach a timer. Programming an office water cooler to only operate for 10 hours a day, 5 days a week, can significantly reduce its energy waste. In addition, when it’s time to replace old coolers, choosing an Energy Star–qualified model can yield large savings over standard models because they have thicker insulation, more efficient cooling systems, and other efficiency-boosting features.

Vending machines

Refrigerated vending machines typically operate 24/7, using 2,500 to 4,400 kWh per year and adding to cooling loads in the spaces they occupy. Timers or occupancy sensors can yield significant savings because they allow the machines to turn on only when a customer is present or when the compressor must run to maintain the product at the desired temperature.

Turning things down

Some equipment cannot be turned off entirely but can be turned down to save energy.

HVAC temperature setbacks

During closed hours, turn temperature settings down in warming seasons and up in cooling seasons. Programmable thermostats make temperature setbacks a reliable option.

Peripheral and back rooms

Make sure that HVAC settings in stockrooms, rarely used offices, and other peripheral rooms are at minimum settings.

Window shades and blinds

During warm weather, blinds can block direct sunlight and reduce cooling needs; in the winter, opening the blinds on south-facing windows will let in sunlight to help heat the space.

Building automation systems tuning

For office buildings that already have a building automation system (BAS), make sure that temperature setbacks are coordinated with building occupancy on a quarterly basis. Facility engineers can align the HVAC schedules in the BAS with expected occupancy to optimize energy usage. Identify buildings that are not used at night, on weekends, or for long periods of time (such as during holiday breaks), and adjust temperature settings in those locations. Also, check that HVAC systems are not set to overcool or overheat the building. For facilities with regular occupancy schedules but without a BAS, programmable thermostats can make temperature setbacks a reliable option. The benefits of installing a BAS in a facility without one are further discussed in Longer-Term Solutions.

 

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Excerpt from Orlando Utility Commission (01.16.2018)

9 Common Electrical Problems That Can Disrupt Your Business

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Customers have a hard time giving your business their money if the power is out in your store. Electrical problems can cut into your bottom line and can cause revenue loss. This article provides talks about 9 common electrical problems that can disrupt your business.

There are better ways to cut your electric bills than to work by candlelight. Power outages and electrical issues affect your ability to conduct business as usual. These problems can damage essential software applications and data storage systems that your business relies on to function.

9 Electrical Problems That Disrupt Business

Electrical Surge

One of the most commonly understood electrical problems is an electrical surge (or power surge). An electrical surge is most often caused by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm, however, it can also be caused by an old or low-quality conduit that may have been used when the building was constructed. The damage from power surges can easily be prevented by installing a quality surge protector.

Prong Outlets

Most of us have at some point encountered 2 prong outlet and 3 prong power cord dilemma.

This often results in the 3 prong cord either being plugged into an adapter or having the grounding pin removed just to “make it work”. This creates a safety hazard and could cause the device or equipment to be permanently damaged and can also cause an entire wall of devices to lose power

Power Dips

Another common electrical issue is a power dip (or brownout). A power dip commonly occurs when the amount of power being supplied does not meet the demand for power. This often occurs when there is a sudden and heavy power draw. It is obvious this occurs as often the lighting may grow dim for a moment. This can cause computers to shut off as they do not have enough power.

Exposed Junction Box

A junction box is a common electrical term that is essentially a box where multiple wires meet and connect. At times these may accidentally be left exposed after maintenance has been performed. This causes a safety hazard and is also a violation of the code.

Broken Switches and Outlets

A broken light switch is often the start of a horror film or ominous scene in a movie. But in real life, a broken light switch is often a sign of either bad electrical work, loose wiring, or both. If you have a light switch that seems to work intermittently contact your local electrician to get it replaced and prevent

Loose Outlets

Loose outlets are problematic as they increase the chance of a fire occurring and they can also lead to employees being accidentally shocked. If you notice an outlet is loose or at risk of coming loose stop using it until it can be properly repaired or replaced by a licensed electrician.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

The most common electrical problem that of a tripped circuit breaker. Occasionally you may find that a few seconds after you power on a device the power to that device goes out. If this occurs find your circuit breaker and identify which breaker has been flipped and turn it back on. If this occurs again try disconnecting any devices that have a high power draw such as vacuums or printers.

Not Enough Electrical Outlets

When there are not enough electrical outlets people often turn to extension cords and power strips to connect their devices. While power strips and extensions cords are useful, they can lead to more problems if they are used in excess. Power dips can become more common and there is a greater chance of them accidentally becoming unplugged or of employees tripping over them.

Outdated Electrical Wiring

As stated above outdated electrical wiring can cause a multitude of problems. If the wiring is old enough rodents may have begun to eat away at the protective coating of the wire which can pose a potential fire hazard. Other problems can occur such as the inability of the wire to maintain a consistent power supply.

Final Thoughts

For more information and help with solving your electrical problems, Contact Electrical Service Professionals today!

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