Strategies for Conserving Energy

by John Klein, Sharon Levin, and Deborah Cloutier

The following excerpts are from IREM's Key Report, A Practical Guide to Energy Management (IREM Copyright 2005):

Electricity is not the only utility to monitor and manage. In areas where natural gas is used to run furnaces, boilers, and hot water heaters, savings can be created by implementing such simple measures as turning down the thermostats on hot water heaters and dishwashers.

Here are some examples of other strategies that can add to energy savings. Some have no cost, others require varied investments. However, they all have the potential to reduce energy consumption. Select window treatments to conserve heat (e.g., insulated shades and draperies).

• Select landscaping to provide shade on and around a building - deciduous trees provide shade in summer while allowing for warmth from the sun in the winter.
• Install secondary entry doors to create weather barriers. Implement water conservation measures to save on energy costs as well as water usage -
• Install flow-control devices on shower heads and faucets; these not only use less total water but less hot water, saving the cost of heating it.
• Separate outside irrigation systems from building water supplies; this can save on sewerage charges.
• Recycle cooling tower water in HVAC systems. Shut off cooling units when not needed. If replacement becomes necessary, consider air-cooled rather than water-cooled equipment.

Also, when you replace equipment and appliances, do so with ENERGY STAR�-rated items.