Grainger, North America’s largest industrial product distributor, helps customers reduce costs and operate more sustainably through its green products and services offerings in four main areas: managing energy usage, conserving water, reducing waste and improving indoor air quality. Extensive work with a variety of customers and suppliers has shown that a significant amount of energy loss is actually temperature related.
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HVAC system – The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system usually is one of the biggest areas of energy consumption within a facility. For example, a loose or corroded connection increases resistance in an electrical connection and can result in overheating. Even the highest-rated HVAC system wastes energy without a well-sealed duct system.
- What to scan: Ductwork and registers, fans and blowers and electrical connections.
- Anticipated savings: Commercial buildings with constant-air volume systems can experience energy losses from air leakage so duct-sealing and insulation remedies can help achieve savings.
Motors and generators – Electrical motors can use a significant amount of energy in a facility. Overheating and malfunctioning motors and generators tend to indicate mechanical or electrical inefficiencies that can lead to greater energy use and ultimate failure. Since generators are in a sense “reverse motors,” diagnostics are similar for both kinds of units.
- What to scan: Airflow, electrical unbalance, bearings, insulation and electrical connections.
- Anticipated savings: With motors and generators, specific energy losses usually are of less consequence than failure of the unit. So, keep motors well maintained and operating at maximum efficiency. Also, make sure motors are sized appropriately and operate at constant speeds.
Electrical system – Many people do not realize that electrical systems actually can waste money. As components degrade and resistance increases, incremental waste can occur.
- What to scan: Distribution panels, transformers and lighting control circuits.
- Anticipated Savings: While complete retrofits of lighting systems can produce significant returns on investment, keeping lighting controls (time clocks, photo sensors, occupancy detectors, etc.) operating properly will help save energy.
To celebrate Earth Day, Grainger is inviting facilities maintenance operators to share their best practices. Visit W.W. Grainger Inc. on Facebook to discuss energy conservation ideas with Grainger and its fans.
