Apr 26 2008

Energy Solutions for Various Types of Buildings Part 1 Posted by Angela Baker in Energy Star, energy efficiency

Part of the Department of Energy is the Building Technologies Program.  The purpose of this program is to improve on how various buildings across the United States use energy efficiently.  The Department of Energy has provided energy saving tips in regards to 10 different types of buildings.  Today we will look at 3 of these, and continue through the next several dayson the remaining building types.  I have left the links that the department provides within the tips so you can find more detailed information about each one.

Homes

According to the Department of Energy's website, the average amount families spend each year to supply energy to their home is $1300.  Everyone is looking to save money, especially with the increased costs that come with providing a home with adequate energy, and the following are tips to help your family reduce that yearly amount:

• Use a programmable thermostat to control the heating and cooling in your home
• Compare your energy use against the national average
• Conduct a home energy audit to determine the largest savings potential
• Install energy efficient lighting such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
• Hire a professional to help you insulate and repair your ducts

Multifamily Buildings

Multifamily buildings are apartment buildings, high rises, town houses, and other various buildings in which multiple families live.  The Department of Energy asserts that energy and water costs have more of a tendency to be high in multifamily dwellings, despite the fact that they have more opportunity than single family dwellings to be energy efficient.  These tips are generally meant to assist those operating and constructing such buildings in their quest to become more efficient with the building's energy use.

• Lower heating bills by converting electric or oil heating systems to natural gas, and replacing inefficient boilers
• Reduce water usage by repairing water leaks and installing low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets
• Replace old refrigerators with new energy-efficient models
• Use compact fluorescent bulbs in common areas
• Specify ENERGY STAR appliances and other products

Office Buildings

The tendency to consume massive amounts of energy in office buildings is outrageous.  According to the Department of Energy, "office building energy bills are the highest of any commercial building type."  The use of office equipment adds to this energy consumption.  It may be more difficult to use energy efficiently at the office because of the fact that not everyone is "on board" when they are not the one paying the energy bills.  However, the following tips can help, provided office workers pitch in on the initiative.

• Control energy costs and enhance employee comfort by installing energy management systems, occupancy sensors, and programmable thermostats
• Save energy costs and improve productivity through increased use of daylighting
• Replace inefficient lighting fixtures with T-8, compact fluorescent, and metal halide fixtures
• Choose ENERGY STAR computers, printers, copiers and other office equipment

We will continue looking at ways to cut energy costs in various buildings through the next several days.