Energy Challenges and Efficient Solutions

The price of energy is on the rise. Global demand is pushing up the price of coal and natural gas, key sources of electricity generation in Australia.

Improving energy efficiency will save your business money.

ITA Electrical specialises in finding ways for businesses to reduce their energy bill. We have put together some tips to on how to improve energy efficiency at your business.

8 Tips to Improve Energy Efficiency.

1. Embrace Automation

Most businesses have little building automation or control systems installed. This is like keeping the tap running while brushing your teeth. Turn off the tap when it’s not in use, and you’ll reduce waste and make significant energy savings.

Many appliances can be programmed to optimise energy use. For example, automate air conditioning and heating schedules, plant equipment and lighting. You can also implement start-up and shut-down procedures to make sure everything there is no energy waste.

2. Monitor Energy Use

Do you monitor your energy use? Without an energy management procedure, you might not even realise the scale of your energy waste.

Appoint an energy advisor and develop an energy monitoring system. You'll wish you did it yesterday.

3. Use Efficient Lighting

Lighting accounts for up to 40 per cent of total electricity consumption in commercial buildings. 

Installing energy efficient lights is one of the easiest ways to reduce an energy bill.

4. Upgrade Motors, Pumps, Solar and Fans

Industrial motors, pumps and fans are energy hungry appliances. Many of these systems are energy inefficient, with motors losing around 55 per cent of energy input before reaching end-use work. Solar roofing is also a great option.

Look into add on technology to reduce the energy use of these power hungry industrial appliances.

5. Increase Electrical Efficiency

Are your appliances drawing more energy than necessary? A poor Power Factor occurs when a load draws more electrical energy than needed. You end up paying for more 'reactive power' which is energy that cannot be used.

Installing Power Factor Correction Equipment will improve electrical efficiency.

6. Change Staff Behaviour

Create a workplace culture where wasting resources is discouraged. This extends not only to energy consumption, but recycling, water consumption and even office supplies. Less waste means less costs.

This can be done by implementing simple office procedures in addition to educating staff. Make sure signs are posted to remind workers not to waste resources near light switches and appliances.

Appointing an energy manager is a good way to make sure that procedures are updated and new staff are trained.

7. Voltage Optimisation

Some appliances do not need high voltage. Your business could be wasting energy if you are being supplied with electricity at a higher voltage than you need.

Voltage optimisation technology can be used to correct voltage fluctuations, so you are being supplied the correctvoltage for your business needs.

8. Install a Cogeneration or Trigeneration Plant.

If your business is serious about energy savings then you should consider installing cogeneration or trigeneration technology.

A cogeneration or trigeneration plant can be up to 80 per cent more energy efficient than sourcing energy from conventional sources.

Cogeneration technology produces electricity whilst capturing and re-using heat which is released as a bi product.  Trigeneation has an additional process of producing cooling during this process.

Stop Wasting Energy and Start Saving Money.

There is a lot you can do to improve energy efficiency. Working with an energy management partner is the only way to make sure that you are maximising potential energy savings.

At ITA Electrical, we can help you identify and understand your energy usage patterns, find areas of waste and implement appropriate energy saving measures.

Save Energy. Save Money.

Why not talk to an energy specialist today? Get in touch here.