Are Your Lights and Appliances Actually Energy Efficient?
Energy efficiency has become a hot topic in the past couple of years, but the reality is that it’s nothing new. LED lighting and Energy Star’s efficiency standards for appliances have been around for decades. Most business owners know this, and many have already taken steps to become more energy efficient.
So, when you hear about the benefits of energy efficient upgrades for your business and how they can help you save money and lower emissions, you may not feel it is relevant to you. Perhaps some years ago you were ahead of the curve and already installed the most efficient products you could afford in your facilities. You may think you’re all set and already getting great savings on your energy bills and helping the planet.
If you have already implemented energy efficiency measures, chances are you are getting some savings. However, two factors are probably preventing you from getting the maximum benefits. Firstly, energy efficiency models are like any other technology: they don’t last forever, and over time the savings they provide will begin to have slightly diminishing returns.
More importantly, though, the energy efficiency landscape has changed a lot in recent times, with unprecedented levels of innovation and development of equipment.
LED lights, for example, have become a lot more sophisticated in the last few years. There are now options on the market with much higher levels of energy efficiency, longer lifespans, better light quality and color. That means if you installed LEDs a few years ago, you could still benefit from replacing them with newer bulbs that will save you more money, last more years, and create a more welcoming atmosphere in your business locations.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have also made great strides. In 1992, the minimum Department of Energy efficiency rating (SEER) rating was 10, and nowadays the minimum rating is 14. There are even higher efficiency models on the market as well, and you can now get models with 23 SEER ratings. There are even Ultra High Performance HVACs that use more innovative technologies to drive down energy consumption. So even if you have units that were energy efficient when installed, they may no longer be operating at a high-efficiency standard.
Plus, the average HVAC unit only has a lifespan of around 10 years, meaning whether efficient or not, your units will need to be replaced eventually.
New innovations in smart technology and monitoring have also changed the energy efficiency landscape. Sensors can now help monitor the performance of energy efficient equipment to detect potential problems, optimize operations, and ensure energy isn’t wasted. Appliances and equipment can be connected to software that shows exactly how much energy is being saved and how much emissions are being reduced. These new technologies not only boost energy savings but also provide a lot more transparency into the level of energy efficiency your upgrades are generating.
There are strong advantages of energy efficiency, especially for businesses who want to lower their operational costs, gain a competitive edge, and lower their negative impact on the environment. Budderfly works with businesses to overhaul their energy infrastructure—installing new LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, water conservation solutions, smart monitoring software, and more – all with no upfront capital required.
We provide industry-leading technologies with the highest levels of efficiency. So even if you believe that you have done your due diligence with energy efficient equipment, it’s worth chatting to one of our experts to learn how much more you could save by partnering with Budderfly.
To get an assessment of your facility or just learn more about the Budderfly program, contact us today.