Variable Frequency Drives Hit the Small Time There was a time when variable frequency drives (VFDs) were only used for large motors in industrial facilities. Now, with the increased sophistication and proliferation of these devices, they’re being used to save energy in water pumps, HVAC fans, conveyor motors and other variable torque applications. Are VFDs … Read more
When Should Soft Start Devices be Applied to Motors? When an induction motor starts, it often draws electric current that is much higher than the normal operating current—typically six to eight times higher. This peak inrush current can dim lights and trip breakers, causing delays and possibly affecting productivity. Reduced-voltage starters and variable frequency drives … Read more
Making Your Apartments Smarter It’s a connected world out there and you can help make your properties stand out. The Internet of Things is making our lives simpler, easier and more energy efficient. Here are just a few of the advanced technologies that will appeal to today’s tech-savvy and environmentally conscious renters. Wi-Fi thermostats … Read more
Summer Energy Savings: 3 Cool Technologies Does the thought of summer cooling costs make you warm under the collar? If you need to upgrade your air conditioning system and you’re not sure what to do, the Federal Energy Management Program may have the answer through its list of promising technologies. Here are three innovative cooling … Read more
Upgrade Your Industrial Motors and Save Motors consume more than half of the electricity used nationwide. Premium efficiency motors are up to 10% more efficient than standard units and offer substantial benefits in energy savings and lower operating costs. Typically, upgrading to higher efficiency motors won’t have a negative impact on facility operations. In some … Read more
Lighting Design: 7 Free Tools You Can Use Custom lighting can help sell homes. Lighting design, which also plays a major role in the energy efficiency of a home, is now much more involved than just selecting a light fixture. Through strategic lighting design, you can transform plain living spaces into extraordinary ones. The following … Read more
Cooling Systems: 4 Hidden Energy Costs Annual inspections of cooling system are essential to efficient operation. However, a closer look at the system and around the facility will likely reveal areas of waste and inefficiency that are adding to air conditioning system costs. Here are four things to watch out for. 1. Out-of-tune building controls … Read more
What’s that Sound? Listening for Energy Savings Have you heard? U.S commercial buildings use a lot of energy, and much of that energy goes to waste, In fact, about 30% of the energy used in commercial buildings is wasted, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. You can try to ignore that waste, but it … Read more
Multifamily Properties: Sustainability Adds Value Multifamily buildings make up about 26% of the nation’s housing, and that number is growing. In a competitive market, you’re always looking for an edge. Energy efficiency upgrades and green certification will not only reduce your operating costs, but they’ll also help make your properties stand out from the crowd. … Read more
The Lifetime Value of Energy Efficiency Convincing financial decision makers to invest in energy efficiency can be difficult because of the substantial upfront costs involved. Simple payback analysis often doesn’t help, since it ignores the benefits after the payback period — typically less than half the life of the project. It’s important to look beyond … Read more