One of the keys to achieving a successful business is finding ways to cut out unnecessary expenses. Manufacturers can do this in a number of ways, whether it’s using more affordable parts or switching to cost-effective outsourced services. However, something that often goes overlooked is the amount of energy your company is using on a daily basis.
Energy Conservation in Manufacturing
How much money are you spending on your monthly utility bills? How much of that energy you’re paying for is actually being used to power your facility? The truth is, there are all kinds of tools, devices, equipment, and infrastructure that are big energy drains. If your building is full of inefficient technology, you could be wasting more than half of the energy you’re consuming.
For example, HVAC systems normally consume a significant amount of electricity. However, the issue is less about the fact that it’s an energy intensive device and more about how it uses the energy. The older and less efficient an HVAC system is, the more energy it consumes to keep the room temperature comfortable. You don’t want to save money by having an HVAC-less facility—because it’s necessary for the comfort of your workers—but you do want a system that’s not wasting electricity.
The manufacturing industry uses up to one-third of the country’s total energy output, according to the National Association of Manufacturers. As a result, this industry spends an astronomical amount on energy every year. But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can reduce your energy consumption by investing in industrial energy saving projects.
How Can Energy Efficiency Be Increased?
Scaling back your energy expenses can be a boon for your bottom line. But what are the best ways to reduce energy consumption? Here are a few methods of energy management you can implement in your own workplace.
Conduct an Energy Audit
An energy audit is when your facility is assessed for its energy usage. A consultant evaluates your current energy consumption and then identifies measures you can take to be more efficient. This is particularly useful because it provides a breakdown of how your departments are using energy. It also reveals your peak consumption times throughout the year.
Install Energy-Efficient Lighting
Most manufacturing companies need to be well-lit. Consequently, a lot of energy is used simply keeping the work floor illuminated. Installing compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can help your organization use less energy.
If you want to take it a step further, make it a habit to turn off lights in areas that aren’t in use. Or you could install sensors that automatically turn lights on or off based on movement in the room.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Has your equipment seen better days? While it may still be functional, your equipment could be wasting a great deal of electricity. There is the option to replace your old machinery, but that’s not absolutely necessary. If you want to keep what you have, you could have it retrofitted.
Retrofitting is the process of adding a component or accessory to something that it didn’t have when it was originally manufactured. When equipment is retrofitted, outdated or inefficient components are replaced with new energy-efficient ones. However, it’s important to keep in mind that retrofitting aging hardware is only a temporary stopgap.
Power Down Your Equipment
You may use your tools and devices frequently, but you’re not using them every second of the day. If you don’t plan on using a piece of technology for a while, turn it off. Some devices that are often left on for no reason include monitors, computers, and break room machines. If something isn’t expected to be used for more than a couple of days, unplug it. Even while turned off, technology draws electricity when it’s plugged into an outlet.
Become More Energy Efficient With Air Power USA
Founded in 1986, Air Power USA was created to help businesses reduce energy costs and enhance their operations. With our energy analysis and audits, we help you see where improvements can be made. Energy efficiency in manufacturing systems is our specialty and we’re ready to help you become more energy efficient.
With our utility and incentive funding services, we can help pay for the energy efficient solutions you want to add to your facility. Contact us today to learn more about our energy-efficient solutions.
