Articles

Refrigeration Systems: Data is Cool You can’t control what you don’t measure and this is certainly true for refrigeration systems. One of the biggest problems with these systems is refrigerant leaks, which can result in major energy waste. A system low on refrigerant must work harder to control desired temperatures. With the right leak detection … Read more

Lighting Controls: Calculating the Savings Upgrading to high-efficiency lighting is a great way to reduce operating costs. However, any light — no matter how efficient — wastes energy and money lighting empty spaces. Adding controls can optimize savings and help preserve precious energy resources. That sounds great, but lighting controls are an investment. It would … Read more

Building Automation: Choosing the Right Wireless Protocol Building automation systems (BAS), as well as lighting and HVAC controls, are designed to save energy, maintain occupant comfort, increase productivity and reduce operating costs. These systems use multiple sensors to gather data about the indoor environment and information about equipment status. Hard-wiring sensors is time-consuming and expensive, … Read more

Multifamily: 5 Ways to Lower Water Heating Costs When it comes to energy costs, water heating is hardly a drop in the bucket. In fact, water heating is the second largest energy user in apartment buildings, accounting for nearly 30% total consumption, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. If your properties are drowning in … Read more

Building Recommissioning: Tune-Up Opportunities Recommissioning helps ensure that buildings are operating optimally according to their current needs. As part of the recommissioning process, all elements of a building and its energy-using systems are examined. Specifically, the focus is on identifying tune-up opportunities in lighting, HVAC systems and the building envelope.   Lighting All lighting systems … Read more

Multifamily Energy Efficiency: The Low-Hanging Fruit Efficiency upgrades can save you money and enhance the value of your properties. However, big improvement projects often require a lot of time and significant upfront costs. Fortunately, there are a variety of “low-hanging fruit,” or energy-saving measures that can reduce your energy costs while fitting easily into your … Read more

Lighting Commissioning Focuses on System Performance Commissioning is a powerful tool for both new and existing buildings. It’s a process that verifies and documents a facility and its systems are designed, installed, tested and operated to meet the owner’s project requirements (OPR). While many commissioning agents are knowledgeable and experienced in building systems such as … Read more

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