Submitted by: Cameron Smith, LEED AP, Project Engineer

Today more than ever, individuals and businesses are looking for new ways to reduce their energy costs. As world-wide energy supplies dwindle and the threat of increased energy costs hang over consumer's heads, this topic has become a major talking point in the business world.

Shiel Sexton is doing their part to provide clients with opportunities to address these concerns through a number of techniques. One such example of a recent project involved a University's new Pharmacy and Health Sciences Building. The University was looking for ways to reduce energy costs for their new building. Through discussions with the project team they decided to utilize occupancy motion sensors for lighting throughout the facility. The motion sensors detect when people are present and more importantly when there is no one present. When the sensor does not detect any one, it will automatically shut off the lights in the room. Lighting accounts for 30% to 50% of a buildings energy use, so simply turning off the lights can reduce direct lighting energy consumption up to 45%. That adds up to a significant savings over time.

At Home
As the weather gets colder home energy costs go up, but you don't have to buy motion sensing lights to save money at home. By turning off the lights when you leave a room you can decrease your lighting costs. Below are several other simple techniques that can be done to save energy, and save you money, in the winter months.

Turn Down Your Water Heater
Most water heaters are set to a temperature of 140 degrees F by installers, typical households don't require this much heat, and end up paying for it, whether it be in dollars or the occasional 2nd degree burn. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees F (or lower) could reduce your water heating costs by 6% to 10%.

Think About The Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are an easy and inexpensive way to reduce your heating bill. A typical household shells out 50-70% of their energy budgets on heating and cooling, so programming your thermostat to turn down when you are not home can save you between 1-3% on your energy bills.

Bundle Up
Be like Mr. Rogers and dress warmer for winter, even inside. More or less, a light long-sleeved sweater is worth about 2 degrees in added warmth, while a heavy sweater adds about 4 degrees. So snug up and start saving.

It is important to note that all of these home energy saving tips are inexpensive and can be done in very little time. So, why not be green and save green in the coming year.

Labels: Cameron Smith, Energy Savings, Green, Save Money, Winter Tips