Electricity consumption burns a big hole in the pockets of businesses. The good news is that there are things that you could do to slow down the manically racing meter.
Air conditioning optimization
The most obvious cost-cutting can happen by using ceiling fans instead of air conditioners whenever possible. The differential in operating cost is approximately 30 paise per hour for fans as opposed to Rs 10 for air conditioning. Replacing the metal blades of a fan with fiber blades can save 20% energy overall.
Further, going for multi-coated glazing windows helps in restraining cool air escape. It is also advisable to install weather-strips under doors, windows, and ducts to avoid air leakage. Getting multiple coated glazes on glass windows also reduces air conditioning energy usage by about 40 percent.
It also helps to install green meshes on west facing windows and doors, so that it blocks direct sunlight heat and reduces the load on the air conditioners. This can be uninstalled in winters to let sunlight come in and reduce the need of heaters.
Backup equipment basics
For a new setup, there are three basic assessments when it comes to buying power backup solutions. First, it should be a reliable solution, which means that it should not disturb critical continuity. Second, it should have scalability, so that the solution is future proof and can be incorporated without making legacy equipment defunct. Third is that one should not look just at the capex (capital expenses). The payback time should be quantifiable in terms of productivity or in finances.
The generator, as a solution for power backup, has many inherent flaws. The biggest drawback being that it cannot withstand a strong surge in current.
Electronic components best practices
Did you know that a computer that is on for 24 hours uses more power than an energy-efficient refrigerator? Near about 50% of power is hogged by the monitor alone. Setting up a company wide policy to switch off the monitors of idling workstations can help you curb a lot of wastage.
Electronic devices, such as battery chargers for laptops, phones, cameras, etc, keep drawing power if plugged in. Simply encourage unplugging these when not in use.
Efficient lighting
A lot of electricity is wasted on this one, and there are many solutions to cut down on the same. The first to-do for this is installing compact fluorescent lamps (CFL). CFLs convert electricity to visible light up to five times more efficiently than ordinary bulbs, and thus consume 75 percent lesser energy as compared to incandescent light bulbs.
There are many automatic devices that can help in saving energy used in lighting. Installing infrared sensors, motion sensors, automatic timers, dimmers, solar cells and such wherever applicable to switch on/off lighting circuits is a good idea.
Refrigeration fine-tuning
One could begin by making sure that all refrigeration units are kept away from direct sunlight or other heat emitting appliances. A lot of energy is wasted if the cooling escapes through the sealing.
Besides all these tips, it is advisable for businesses to run a power audit that investigates all processes followed in the company and the equipment used. Based on the analyses derived, companies should implement correctives that can help in cutting down the electricity bill.
To make proper use of solar energy and wind energy
