TIPS TO SAVE ENERGY FOR MANUFACTURERS
Conservation of energy is a significant talking point in any arena when so much work needs to be done to replace fossil fuels with renewable resources. With UK industries accounting for nearly a fifth of the country’s energy consumption, they are responsible for trying to reduce this figure. In doing so, only minor changes are needed to achieve energy-saving improvements.
According to estimates, the UK’s energy costs range from about PS2,000 to PS12,000 per year. Although it is a cost that businesses must pay, there are ways to cut it. You can cut down on your energy bills by implementing some energy-saving practices.
Below, you’ll find 13 simple energy-saving tips for industry and business owners.
Collaboration
All employees should participate in any initiative you take to conserve energy. It will be harder to get results if your only focus is to issue orders and not to help employees understand the reasons behind the change. It is important to communicate with your employees about the energy crisis and have regular meetings. While most people are aware of the problem globally, not many realize the true business costs associated with energy consumption. Understanding how energy consumption affects your bottom line and the impact on the company’s overall success is helpful. People will be more willing to help if they see the bigger picture.
Optimise Appliances
You can optimize the settings of any appliances in your workplace to increase energy savings. You can start small by turning the temperature down a little on your staff fridge to make it a bit less cold. This will help you save energy and not have an adverse effect on your employees.
Turn it off
Another easy fix is to ensure that all machinery and equipment are turned off when not being used. This might involve taking a quick walk around your property after work to ensure that all equipment is turned off. It can save you money by only running equipment when it is absolutely necessary.
All Lights Off
It’s still one of the easiest ways to conserve energy. However, it’s amazing how many people forget about it even though they’re not there. This problem is made worse by employees who are constantly moving between work areas or buildings while they perform their duties. It is important to instill the principle that the light should be turned off when someone leaves a room unoccupied. You can also reinforce this idea with signs.
Install motion sensors to turn on lights only when there is an occupancy or day/night switch that controls outdoor lighting. Smart lighting systems can be installed that adjust light levels based on occupancy or natural light availability.
Replace Existing Lights With LED
The UK has announced that it will ban halogen light bulbs starting in September 2021. Fluorescent bulbs will be phased out by 2023. LED bulbs consume 25% less energy than halogens to produce the same amount of light but will last five times longer. These bulbs are a good choice for energy-saving measures.
Exploit Natural Airflow
Opening a window is the same as turning off the light. It’s simple and will have an effect on your energy bills. Constant air conditioning can be costly and harmful to your health. People who are constantly exposed to cold air can develop respiratory problems. Those with asthma or other respiratory conditions like asthma may find their condition worsening. By opening windows and doors, you can maximize the natural airflow at your home. This will allow the indoor temperature to be controlled more effectively than the outdoor.
Strategic Shading
Unprotected windows can allow heat to enter buildings in summer. You might need protection if the sun’s radiant heat is directed to a single point. You don’t need to turn on the AC or fan. There are simpler ways to save energy.
Blinds and shutters can be used to provide adjustable or fixed shading. Sun filter window films can be used to block out the sun from your windows. Planting trees and shrubs on walls and doors is a more sustainable solution. They will not only block some of the direct heat but also reduce the available light.
Heating and Air Conditioning
Encourage your employees to avoid using portable radiators and fan heaters. These forms of instant heat are great for personal use but will also add to your electricity bill. An air conditioner system that is used for heating and cooling can use between 20-40% of total energy. This could be expensive.
You can adjust the settings so that the system is less expensive to operate and the ambient temperature is more comfortable. In various tests, this was found to be between 24-26oC. Large establishments like airports, hotels, and offices tend to set their AC at lower temperatures in order to get better cooling performance. The cooling action of the compressor in the AC system is the same in all settings. There’s no noticeable improvement in AC performance.
However, the system is kept at 18-21oC, which makes it extremely cool inside. Many people have to wear warmer clothes to combat the chill. This is a huge waste of energy. Studies have shown that humans are comfortable operating at temperatures between 24-26oC and 28oC, as long as there is enough air movement and humidity control. According to research from Australian scientists, running your AC at this temperature will reduce its energy consumption by around 18%.
Check Air Conditioning Lines
It is essential to insulate your HVAC system properly to ensure maximum efficiency. If the unit is located outdoors, there should be intact pipe insulation. If your air conditioner’s refrigerant line isn’t properly insulated you will find that heat from the outside environment is being absorbed by the unit and it is cooling the air outside. Winter will bring about the opposite effect and all your heat will be wasted.
Insulation
Insulation is an energy-saver in both cooling and heating situations. Insulation acts as a barrier to temperature changes and keeps heat in or out, depending on the situation. It is much easier to maintain summer warmth and coolness by installing proper insulation on your roof, walls, and sometimes the floor of your workplace.
Reduce Delay On Closing Doors
Automatic doors use sensors to close doors in hazardous or temperature-controlled environments. They are programmed with a time delay so that refrigerators and freezers don’t lose too much cold air when the door is opened. To save energy, limit how often cool rooms are used. Simple energy savings can be made by simply adjusting the sensors to decrease the time it takes for the doors to close.
Scheduled Maintenance
Regular cleaning and scheduled maintenance can improve the performance of electrical and mechanical equipment. Regular cleaning and scheduled maintenance will make your equipment last longer, improve performance, and save you money.
Check for leaks in compressed air systems
The UK’s compressed air system accounts for 10% of the electrical consumption. Any reduction would be a huge gain. By lowering the operating pressure of the compressors that you are using, you can save energy and allow the system to run efficiently. You should inspect the system for leaks and shut down the compressor when it isn’t needed.
Start small and monitor your progress
Even small changes can make a huge difference in your energy efficiency. After you have made some cost savings, it is time to look at longer-term energy efficiency measures. It is possible to monitor your energy consumption and identify which systems are using the most energy. You might also consider power factor correction.
