Resources for your business

Light-emitting diodes (LED) can be used to save business energy in a wide variety of applications to replace fluorescents, metal halides or other traditional lighting options in places ranging from office spaces to industrial facilities. While saving up to 90% of the energy consumed by traditional lamps, some LEDs also provide an opportunity for dimming and color-changing controls. LEDs have a longer lifespan than traditional options — up to 10 times longer — also helping reduce maintenance costs. Increased safety is another advantage of an LED as they generate significantly less heat, reducing the chance of burns or fires. When deciding to switch to LEDs, there are options to replace lamps in your existing fixtures, retrofit an existing fixture to be more compatible with LEDs or replace the entire fixture with a new one optimized for LEDs. For more information on LEDs check out the Department of Energy’s website. Please make sure to dispose of or recycle old bulbs/fixtures in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.

Ductless mini-split

Ductless mini-splits, or mini-splits, are very efficient systems that allow for the heating and cooling or individual rooms or spaces. They are made up of an indoor air-handling unit and an outdoor condenser/compressor. Common applications of mini-splits include offices in unconditioned warehouses, conference rooms, data closets and small additions. Learn More

Evaporative condensing

Evaporative condensers pre-cool the air entering the condenser of a rooftop unit or air-cooled chiller with mist or an evaporative media. Lowering the condensing temperature reduces the workload of the compressor resulting in a system that operates more efficiently than when it is air cooled.

Advanced evaporative condensing

Advanced evaporative condensing works by evaporating water into an air stream, which reduces the temperature but increases humidity. They greatly reduce energy consumption while using water sustainably and maintaining air quality.

Outside air economizer

Outside air economizers bring in air from the outside when conditions outside of a building are cooler than inside to cool down the space. This method is often referred to as “free cooling.” Most rooftop units come equipped with outside air economizers now, but older models lacking one can be retrofitted to add one and take advantage of free cooling. Colorado’s cool nights and dry air are ideal conditions for outside air economizers.

Rooftop unit (RTU)

A rooftop unit (RTU) is a packaged unit that supplies one or all the heating, ventilating and/or air-conditioning of a building. If an RTU does not currently have an outside air economizer, one can be added.

Advanced RTU controller

These are after-market controllers that utilize variable supply — fan control combined with integrated economizer and demand ventilation controls. Common brand and manufacturers of the advanced RTU controllers are: Catalyst by Transformative Wave; Digi-Rtu by Bes-Tech and Enerfit by Enerfit, LLC.

Importance of maintenance

Safety, comfort and energy efficiency are all in jeopardy when proper maintenance of heating and cooling equipment is neglected. A dirty air conditioner, heat pump or furnace costs more to operate and normal “wear and tear” parts become weak and inefficient in their duties, causing excessive utility costs and extended run times. The cost of routine maintenance is often easily recovered by lower fuel or power usage.

Smart power strip

Replacing your conventional power strips with smart power strips can help reduce the electricity wasted when devices, such as computers, are idle — without having to change the way you normally use them. Learn More

ENERGY STAR^TM computers

When looking to purchase new computers, check to see if it is ENERGY STAR rated to reduce your operating costs. Learn More

High-efficiency ice machines

High-efficiency ice machine models are available for air-cooled, batch-type and continuous-type commercial ice makers that use less energy and water. Learn More

Insulated hot food holding cabinets

Insulated hot food holding cabinets are more energy-efficient than standard models, saving on operating costs. Learn More

Reach-in refrigerators and freezers

Energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers are designed with components such as ECM evaporator and condenser fan motors, or high-efficiency compressors, which help reduce energy consumption. Learn More

Electric fryers

Energy-efficient fryers offer shorter cook times and higher production rates through advanced burner and heat exchanger designs, decreasing the overall operating cost of the fryer. Learn More

Electric griddles

Energy-efficient griddles provide improved uniformity of temperature and a higher production capacity in addition to energy savings. Learn More

Electric steamers

Energy-efficient steam cookers offer shorter cook times, higher production rates and reduced heat loss due to better insulation and more efficient steam delivery systems. Learn More

Insulation

Increasing the amount of or changing the kind of insulation not only reduces the cost of heating and air conditioning, but also adds increased comfort. Learn More

Windows

Older windows can be very inefficient. Replacing them with new, higher-efficiency windows can reduce draftiness in addition to reducing heating and cooling costs. Learn More