EUCAT SA informs you about the recent developments on the Energy Savings and the Enviroment
Energy represents 30% of the typical office building’s costs and is a property’s single largest operating expense. There can be reductions in energy consumption of more than 35% through changes in building operations and management strategies alone; Increased asset value from energy performance improvements; and Increased tenant satisfaction and retention.
Lighting
Changing the world starts with simple actions. When you replace light bulbs or entire light fixtures in your home with ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR, you contribute to a cleaner environment while saving yourself energy, money and time buying and changing lights in your home. ENERGY STAR qualified lighting uses 2/3 less energy than traditional lighting products and lasts 6 to 10 times longer.
The ENERGY STAR label can be found on lighting products ranging from light bulbs to an increasingly wide range of stylish and task-oriented lamps and fixtures. To save the most energy and money, replace your highest used fixtures or the light bulbs in them with energy-efficient models. The 5 highest use fixtures in a home are typically the kitchen ceiling light, the living room table and floor lamps, bathroom vanity, and outdoor porch or post lamp.
ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs use 66% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and last up to 10 times longer. Replacing a 100-watt incandescent with a 32-watt CFL can save you at least €37 in energy costs over the life of the bulb.
Save Energy, Save Money
Office equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR helps eliminate wasted energy through special power management features. When equipment is not in use, it automatically enters a low-power sleep mode. An ENERGY STAR qualified computer in sleep mode consumes about 80% less electricity than it does in full-power mode. Overall, ENERGY STAR qualified office products use about half as much electricity as standard equipment.
HVAC Systems
Replacing old cooling and heating equipment with more efficient, ENERGY STAR qualified equipment is one way to save energy and money. However, your home’s heating and cooling equipment is part of a larger system. Heating and cooling your home smartly can include properly maintaining your existing equipment, using a programmable thermostat, finding and sealing air leaks, tightening up your ducts, and more.
Repair or Replace?
Changing out old cooling and heating equipment with ENERGY STAR qualified models can cut your annual energy costs by 20%. Remember that getting the proper size and a quality installation is essential to getting the most from your new equipment.
Maintain your Equipment
Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Use an ENERGY STAR qualified model to adjust the temperature of your home when you are home or away. With proper use of the four pre-programmed temperature settings, you can save about $100 each year in energy costs.
Duct Sealing
It’s common to find gaps between duct joints, whether a home is new or old. Seal and insulate ducts that are exposed in areas such as your attic or crawlspace to improve your system’s efficiency and your own comfort.
Seal Air Leaks and Add Insulation (Home Sealing)
Air leaks in your home and a poorly insulated attic can lead to significant home comfort problems and high energy bills. By properly sealing those air leaks and adding insulation, you can improve comfort and cut your energy bills by up to 10 percent.
Efficient Ceiling Fan
Upgrade to a more energy-efficient ceiling fan. ENERGY STAR qualified models are up to 50% more energy-efficient than conventional fans, with the most potential energy savings coming from those that include lighting. In the winter, set your fan to turn in the clockwise direction to help efficiently distribute warm air throughout your room.
Simple Energy Savers
- Turn off lights and equipment when they are not in use. Seems obvious, but high utility costs often include paying for energy that is completely wasted.
- Buy Energy Star labeled office, house equipment, when needed, and be sure the stand-by function is activated.
- Install occupant sensors in the proper locations to automatically turn off lighting when no one is present, and back on when they return.
- Adjust lighting to your actual needs. Turn off or dim your lights when daylight is adequate, or use automatic daylight dimming ballasts/controls to do this for you.
- Install a programmable thermostat to automate your HVAC system.
- Replace incadescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) wherever appropriate CFLs cost about 75 percent less to operate, and last about 10 times longer.
- Install LED (light-emitting diode) exit signs.
- Control direct sun through windows. During cooling season, block direct heat gain from the sun shining through glass on the East, and especially West sides of the building.
- Use fans.Comfort is a function of temperature, humidity, and air movement. Moving air can make a somewhat higher temperature and/or humidity feel comfortable.