Customize Your Building’s Savings.

Lighting

Lighting typically makes up 20-40% of your electric bill. There are numerous existing inefficient lighting systems that can be easily replaced with a variety of high efficiency lighting technologies and controls to provide better lighting quality and save energy and money.

• Switch to High Efficiency Lighting.
• Add Automatic Lighting Controls such as occupancy sensors or daylight harvesting controls.

HVAC

Cooling & Ventilation: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has found that about 40% of energy costs for the average commercial building are spent on heating, cooling and ventilation. In 2012, a DOE study found that U.S. commercial building owners could save an average of 38% on heating and cooling costs if they install an energy efficient HVAC control system. The range of cost savings (22% to 56%) determined by the study depends on building size, building use, regional climate and local utility costs.

Learn about more efficient options, rebates and eligibility that Austin Energy has to offer on Chillers, Cooling Towers, Direct Expansion (DX) Air Conditioning, Energy Recovery Ventilators.

Space Heating: Space heating is a major use of energy in buildings nationwide. Past data suggest that space heating accounts about 36% of energy use in U.S. commercial buildings.

Learn more about renewable space heating and how it works.

Office + Computers

Have you considered plugged-in equipment that could be powered down when not in use to conserve energy and money on your utility bill? These include computers, printers, machinery, and other items that put a load on your power consumption unnecessarily.

• If you need to upgrade or replace appliances or equipment, Austin Energy offers an abundance of rebates and incentives to do so: Commercial kitchen equipment, plug load occupancy sensors, electronically commutated motors (ECMs) and more. Find the full list here.

Water heating

• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater. For each 10 degrees of reduction, you can save 3-5% in energy costs. 120°F is suggested unless your dishwasher does not have its own water heater, in which case 130°F – 140°F is suggested for optimal cleaning.
• Repair leaking warm-water leaks should be given immediate attention because they can raise your electric consumption rapidly.
• Determine how much hot water your building needs on a regular basis. One that is too small will not provide employees and customers with enough hot water. However, a water heater that is too big will end up costing you more money.
• Flush your water heater. Water heater manufacturers recommend you have your water heater flushed every 1 to 3 years. Sediment in your water supply, in the form of hard-water minerals like calcium and other small particles, including rust and sand, can damage a gas or electric storage-tank water heater and shorten its life expectancy.

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