How to Make Your Commercial Electrical System More Energy Efficient
Though we are not as dependent on non-renewable energy resources as we were a few decades ago, around 80 percent of the energy consumed in the country is still produced using fossil fuels. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, work with a commercial electrician in Sonoma County to develop a plan to improve the energy efficiency of your commercial electrical system.
An energy-efficient electrical system can help reduce your business’s environmental impact, contributing to sustainability. By taking steps to reduce energy consumption in your building, you demonstrate your willingness to do your bit for the environment.
Here are some ways to make your commercial electrical system more energy efficient.
Conduct an Energy Audit
Have an energy auditor conduct an energy audit annually. A comprehensive energy audit can help identify ways in which you are wasting energy. A professional audit can reveal energy consumption patterns and equipment or operational inefficiencies that lead to high energy consumption.
An experienced energy auditor can analyze data collected during an energy audit to identify areas of improvement, assess the building’s envelope and how the building design affects the rate at which energy is consumed and then suggest ways to improve the energy efficiency of your electrical system.
Upgrade to LED Lighting
Traditional incandescent light bulbs are extremely inefficient. An incandescent light bulb can use up to as much as 60 watts of electricity. Moreover, around 90 percent of the energy that powers a traditional light bulb is converted into heat.
LED light bulbs use less energy than incandescent light bulbs (an LED light bulb uses only 10 watts of electricity). They have a longer lifespan and can help reduce both energy consumption and maintenance costs. LED light bulbs do not contain any toxic substances and are recyclable. Also, they emit little to no UV radiation.
Install Occupancy Sensors
Oftentimes people forget to switch off lights and heating/cooling devices in a room before leaving it. In an unoccupied room, appliances that are left switched on waste energy. To reduce energy consumption in your building, install an occupancy sensor in each room. When a room is unoccupied, the occupancy sensor in it automatically turns off or dims the lights to save energy. When evaluating occupancy sensors, consider their upfront cost and energy-saving potential.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances can help significantly reduce energy consumption in your commercial building. Replace old, inefficient appliances with Energy-Star certified products. Energy Star certified products consume up to 30-65 percent less energy than traditional appliances and may also perform better than them. Because they consume less energy, energy efficient appliances can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Also, consider smart power strips that can help reduce ‘phantom loads’ – the energy used by electronics when they are turned off but still plugged in. Smart power strips reduce electricity consumption by automatically cutting off the power supply to connected devices when they’re not in use.
If you are having trouble choosing between energy efficient appliances, consult a commercial electrician in Sonoma County. An experienced electrician has amassed a wealth of knowledge and can help you weigh the benefits and shortcomings of electrical appliances by different manufacturers.
Improve Insulation
Proper insulation helps maintain building temperature, reducing the load on heating and cooling systems. Add insulation to your roof, ceiling, walls, and floors. Have a professional carry out inspections to detect and seal air leaks around the windows and doors. Install underfloor insulation to prevent heat loss.
Stay on top of Professional Maintenance
We cannot emphasize enough the importance of maintaining commercial electrical systems regularly. Periodic maintenance addresses current problems and prevents potential problems to keep your electrical system running at its optimal efficiency all year round. Regular commercial electrical system maintenance also helps prevent electrical hazards, which if not managed properly can lead to electrical fires.
Have a commercial electrician in Sonoma County inspect and maintain your commercial electrical system at regular intervals.
What to Expect During Professional Maintenance?
During a maintenance session, your electrical contractor:
➢ Checks for and fixes any leaks
➢ Replaces outdated wiring and inefficient components
➢ Ensures your electrical system is up to code
➢ Tightens loose connections and cleans electrical components
➢ Tests all circuit breakers and other safety devices to make sure they’re working properly
Harness Solar Energy
Consider installing solar panels in your commercial building to harness the energy of the sun. Solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy. They can significantly reduce dependence on traditional energy sources and lower energy costs in the long run. Solar panels can also help reduce stress on your commercial electrical system, improving its energy efficiency.
CORE Electrical Services, Inc. is a renowned commercial electrical contractor in Sonoma County. Our commercial electricians bring decades of collective experience in servicing, repairing, and installing commercial electrical systems. To learn more, call (707) 687-5083.