Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EDT/-4.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/bluegillenergy.com/httpdocs/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 184

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Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EDT/-4.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/bluegillenergy.com/httpdocs/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 184

Warning: mktime() [function.mktime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EDT/-4.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/bluegillenergy.com/httpdocs/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 117

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EDT/-4.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/bluegillenergy.com/httpdocs/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 184

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EDT/-4.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/bluegillenergy.com/httpdocs/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 184

Warning: mktime() [function.mktime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EDT/-4.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/bluegillenergy.com/httpdocs/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 117

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EDT/-4.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/bluegillenergy.com/httpdocs/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 184

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EDT/-4.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/bluegillenergy.com/httpdocs/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 184

Warning: mktime() [function.mktime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EDT/-4.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/bluegillenergy.com/httpdocs/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 117

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EDT/-4.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/bluegillenergy.com/httpdocs/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 184

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/New_York' for 'EDT/-4.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/bluegillenergy.com/httpdocs/libraries/joomla/utilities/date.php on line 184
BLUEGILL Energy Management is an accredited third party verifier that works with homeowners, homebuilders, and remodelers to evaluate, design and certify a home GREEN under the nationally approved Green Building Standard. Whether you are building a new home, remodeling your existing home or would like to find out how GREEN your home actually is, BLUEGILL can provide the services and experience to help you attain your Green goals. http://www.bluegillenergy.com/knowledgecenter 2012-05-19T07:06:42Z Joomla! 1.5 - Open Source Content Management 2009-09-29T20:56:06Z 2009-09-29T20:56:06Z http://www.bluegillenergy.com/knowledgecenter/commercialenergytips/161-commercial Clay Farmer clayfarmer@live.com

<p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">First step is to always institute an Energy Awareness Program</span></strong></span></font></p><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">HVAC System (Heater and A/C)</span></strong></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Make sure your HVAC system(s) is the correct size for the building</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Tune your HVAC equipment yearly, with this, make sure it is clean and free of debris and blockage</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Install programmable thermostats</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Limit who has access to the thermostats</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Relocate thermostats to optimal locations</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Periodically calibrate thermostats, make sure thermostat setting equals actual space temperature</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Change your air filter regularly, usually every 2-3 months</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Set thermostat to 78°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter - energy usage increases 6% to 8% for each degree </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span> </span></span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Adjust thermostats to avoid energy use when your office is closed, optimize start off and end time, consider coasting last hour of operations</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Adjust ventilation in low or unoccupied spaces</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Outside A/C units or condensers should be in the shade and free from debris</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Use ceiling or portable fans; a room can be cooled by 4 to 6 degrees with the use a fan</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Check for leaks and seal heating and cooling ducts, attic access area, also recessed lighting</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Make sure your attic is properly insulated</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">A lower temperature on your thermostat will not cool your building faster; the temperature set is just the target comfort zone that you set for your A/C</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Install VFD Variable Frequency Drives and VAV Variable Air Volume Systems </span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Install heat recovery equipment (enthalpy wheels, heat pipes) to optimize conditioning of ventilated air</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Do not use humidifiers or evaporator coolers in addition to your A/C</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></li></ul><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Water Heater</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Set the temperature of your hot water heater to 120°F</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Insulate water heater with an approved hot water heating insulation kit that can be found at your local hardware store or home improvement center</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Drain you water heater tank regularly to remove sediment build up</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Insulate warm water pipes</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Install low flow faucets, toilets and shower heads</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Keep all faucets free from leaks, especially hot water leaks because they are continuously using energy to reheat the water that is being lost</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></li></ul><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Lighting</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Turns lights off when you leave a room</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Replace incandescent (the common round ones) light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs and HID</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Convert T12 to T8 and T5</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Use high efficiency LED EXIT signs</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Install timer controls, photocells or motion sensors for exterior lighting</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Use workstation task lighting</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></li></ul><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Electrical Equipment/Computers</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Turn off electrical equipment/appliances when not in use </span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Use power strips, even when turned off, most electronics and appliances continue to consume electricity when plugged in</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Don’t leave chargers for cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, etc… plugged in when not in use</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Turn off computer when not in use</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Use power strips for your computer and its related equipment and turn them off here, too</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Turn off printers, copiers, faxes when not in use</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Set the sleep mode for your computer for a few minutes after being idle instead of more, such as half an hour</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></li></ul><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Appliances</span></strong></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Unplug any refrigerator or freezers that are not in use</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Keep the condenser coils on the back of your refrigerator and freezer clean</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Keep your refrigerator and freezer full, they operate most efficiently this way</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Only run a dishwasher with a full load</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Turn off the heated dry setting on your dishwasher and use the air dry setting instead</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Turn off coffee maker/warming plate when not in use</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></li></ul><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Ventilate, Insulate, and Weatherize </span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Proper attic ventilation will reduce temperature and moisture buildup</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Reduce air leaks in your building by caulking, sealing and weather-stripping all seams and openings to the outside</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Consult a local nursery,<span>  </span>trees and shrubbery can add shade that cools your building during the summer and can be a wind block during the winter</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Replace single pane windows with energy efficient windows or add solar shading or tinting film</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Use shades or curtains to block the sun and heat during warm summer weather</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Install or repair weather stripping or door sweeps</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Insulate rim joist</span><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></strong></span></font></li></ul><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Janitorial Practices</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Clean one floor at a time</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Clean during working hours</span><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></strong></span></font></li></ul><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Commercial Food </span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Turn off equipment not in use</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Create a start up and shut down schedule for all equipment</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Position your cooling equipment as far away as possible from your cooking equipment so refrigerators/freezers do not have to work harder to keep cool</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Do not keep refrigerators/freezers temperature settings lower than necessary, this can waste energy </span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Keep doors shut and seals tight on cooling equipment, continued opening and closing causes temperature fluctuations and the unit to work harder to cool down</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Perform scheduled maintenance on the units </span><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></strong></span></font></li></ul><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Upgrade Outdated Appliances with Energy Efficient Models</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Buy energy efficient office appliances and equipment: refrigerators, copiers, computers, monitors, etc…</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Visit the Energy Star website for more information </span><a href="http://www.energystar.gov/"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><u><font color="#006feb">www.energystar.gov</font></u></span></a><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Upgrade a refrigerator that is 10+ years old – a new Energy Star approved refrigerator uses about half of the energy of a 10-year old conventional model</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Consider a tank less water heater, they heat water as it is used and are up to 45% more efficient</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Replace your central A/C system if is 7+ years old – an Energy Star approved A/C can use 20% less energy than your old one</span></span></font></li></ul>

<p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">First step is to always institute an Energy Awareness Program</span></strong></span></font></p><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">HVAC System (Heater and A/C)</span></strong></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Make sure your HVAC system(s) is the correct size for the building</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Tune your HVAC equipment yearly, with this, make sure it is clean and free of debris and blockage</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Install programmable thermostats</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Limit who has access to the thermostats</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Relocate thermostats to optimal locations</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Periodically calibrate thermostats, make sure thermostat setting equals actual space temperature</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Change your air filter regularly, usually every 2-3 months</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Set thermostat to 78°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter - energy usage increases 6% to 8% for each degree </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span> </span></span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Adjust thermostats to avoid energy use when your office is closed, optimize start off and end time, consider coasting last hour of operations</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Adjust ventilation in low or unoccupied spaces</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Outside A/C units or condensers should be in the shade and free from debris</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Use ceiling or portable fans; a room can be cooled by 4 to 6 degrees with the use a fan</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Check for leaks and seal heating and cooling ducts, attic access area, also recessed lighting</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Make sure your attic is properly insulated</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">A lower temperature on your thermostat will not cool your building faster; the temperature set is just the target comfort zone that you set for your A/C</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Install VFD Variable Frequency Drives and VAV Variable Air Volume Systems </span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Install heat recovery equipment (enthalpy wheels, heat pipes) to optimize conditioning of ventilated air</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Do not use humidifiers or evaporator coolers in addition to your A/C</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></li></ul><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Water Heater</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Set the temperature of your hot water heater to 120°F</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Insulate water heater with an approved hot water heating insulation kit that can be found at your local hardware store or home improvement center</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Drain you water heater tank regularly to remove sediment build up</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Insulate warm water pipes</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Install low flow faucets, toilets and shower heads</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Keep all faucets free from leaks, especially hot water leaks because they are continuously using energy to reheat the water that is being lost</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></li></ul><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Lighting</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Turns lights off when you leave a room</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Replace incandescent (the common round ones) light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs and HID</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Convert T12 to T8 and T5</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Use high efficiency LED EXIT signs</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Install timer controls, photocells or motion sensors for exterior lighting</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Use workstation task lighting</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></li></ul><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Electrical Equipment/Computers</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Turn off electrical equipment/appliances when not in use </span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Use power strips, even when turned off, most electronics and appliances continue to consume electricity when plugged in</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Don’t leave chargers for cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, etc… plugged in when not in use</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Turn off computer when not in use</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Use power strips for your computer and its related equipment and turn them off here, too</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Turn off printers, copiers, faxes when not in use</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Set the sleep mode for your computer for a few minutes after being idle instead of more, such as half an hour</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></li></ul><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Appliances</span></strong></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Unplug any refrigerator or freezers that are not in use</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Keep the condenser coils on the back of your refrigerator and freezer clean</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Keep your refrigerator and freezer full, they operate most efficiently this way</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Only run a dishwasher with a full load</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Turn off the heated dry setting on your dishwasher and use the air dry setting instead</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Turn off coffee maker/warming plate when not in use</span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></li></ul><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Ventilate, Insulate, and Weatherize </span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Proper attic ventilation will reduce temperature and moisture buildup</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Reduce air leaks in your building by caulking, sealing and weather-stripping all seams and openings to the outside</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Consult a local nursery,<span>  </span>trees and shrubbery can add shade that cools your building during the summer and can be a wind block during the winter</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Replace single pane windows with energy efficient windows or add solar shading or tinting film</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Use shades or curtains to block the sun and heat during warm summer weather</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Install or repair weather stripping or door sweeps</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Insulate rim joist</span><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></strong></span></font></li></ul><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Janitorial Practices</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Clean one floor at a time</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Clean during working hours</span><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></strong></span></font></li></ul><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Commercial Food </span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Turn off equipment not in use</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Create a start up and shut down schedule for all equipment</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Position your cooling equipment as far away as possible from your cooking equipment so refrigerators/freezers do not have to work harder to keep cool</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Do not keep refrigerators/freezers temperature settings lower than necessary, this can waste energy </span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Keep doors shut and seals tight on cooling equipment, continued opening and closing causes temperature fluctuations and the unit to work harder to cool down</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Perform scheduled maintenance on the units </span><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></strong></span></font></li></ul><p><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Upgrade Outdated Appliances with Energy Efficient Models</span></strong><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></p><ul><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Buy energy efficient office appliances and equipment: refrigerators, copiers, computers, monitors, etc…</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Visit the Energy Star website for more information </span><a href="http://www.energystar.gov/"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><u><font color="#006feb">www.energystar.gov</font></u></span></a><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Upgrade a refrigerator that is 10+ years old – a new Energy Star approved refrigerator uses about half of the energy of a 10-year old conventional model</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Consider a tank less water heater, they heat water as it is used and are up to 45% more efficient</span></span></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Replace your central A/C system if is 7+ years old – an Energy Star approved A/C can use 20% less energy than your old one</span></span></font></li></ul> 2009-09-29T18:08:10Z 2009-09-29T18:08:10Z http://www.bluegillenergy.com/knowledgecenter/greentips/160-green Clay Farmer clayfarmer@live.com

<ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Switch to green power</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Reduce water use</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Buy local; reduce fossil fuel consumption for transportation and plastic and paper needed for transport</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Buy low VOC (volatile organic compounds) products, such as paint and cleaning products, these products will not have the same harsh toxins as the high VOC products; look for non-toxic, biodegradable options for cleaners.</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Save a tree, buy 100% post consumer recycled for all your paper needs</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Buy unbleached paper, bleaching can create harmful byproducts, that can accumulate in the air, water and soil over time</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Remove yourself from junk email lists, contact the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service at P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512 or <a href="http://www.dmachoice.org/">www.dmachoice.org</a>.</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Opt out of credit card or insurance offers at </font></span><a href="http://www.optoutprescreen.com/"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><u><font color="#0000ff">OptOutPrescreen.com</font></u></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000"> or by calling 888-567-8688, a single automated phone line maintained by the major credit bureaus. </font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Carry reusable shopping bags, so no to “paper or plastic”</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Reduce use of plastics: bags, bottles and more, plastic is petroleum, the processing and burning of which is considered one of the main contributors of global warming, according to the EPA, plastics in a landfill increases greenhouse gases</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Use environmentally friendly flooring such as bamboo, cork or eucalyptus which has fast rates to replenish themselves; other choices are linoleum, recycled content tile or non VOC carpet</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Plant trees to provide shade and wind protection for your home</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Use native plants, their adapted to your soil and climate, which will save you time and money nurturing them</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Leave grass clippings on lawn, they decompose and make good fertilizer</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Minimize use of pesticides</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Keep indoors plants, some plants are particularly effective absorbers of harmful pollutants emitted from carpets, furniture, and electronic equipment. So clean your indoor air and "green" your living space by filling your home with spider plants, Boston ferns, rubber plants, and palm trees.</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Use manual, human-powered equipment instead of electric appliances, such as: manual can openers, whisks, walk behind lawn mowers</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Recycle old cell phones, batteries, televisions, anything electronic; don’t put it in a landfill</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Build a compost pile</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Install a rain barrel that can collect rainwater, plants love it</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Buy organic linens</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Don’t dry clean your clothes, dry cleaning solutions are highly toxic</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Donate used goods to charity, don’t throw them away</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Use durable goods, such as a cloth napkin at dinner instead of paper towel, use a real plate instead of a paper plate</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Don’t forget to recycle glass, plastic, aluminum cans and paper</font></span> </li></ul><p> </p>

<ul><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Switch to green power</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Reduce water use</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Buy local; reduce fossil fuel consumption for transportation and plastic and paper needed for transport</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Buy low VOC (volatile organic compounds) products, such as paint and cleaning products, these products will not have the same harsh toxins as the high VOC products; look for non-toxic, biodegradable options for cleaners.</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Save a tree, buy 100% post consumer recycled for all your paper needs</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Buy unbleached paper, bleaching can create harmful byproducts, that can accumulate in the air, water and soil over time</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Remove yourself from junk email lists, contact the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service at P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512 or <a href="http://www.dmachoice.org/">www.dmachoice.org</a>.</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Opt out of credit card or insurance offers at </font></span><a href="http://www.optoutprescreen.com/"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><u><font color="#0000ff">OptOutPrescreen.com</font></u></span></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000"> or by calling 888-567-8688, a single automated phone line maintained by the major credit bureaus. </font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Carry reusable shopping bags, so no to “paper or plastic”</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Reduce use of plastics: bags, bottles and more, plastic is petroleum, the processing and burning of which is considered one of the main contributors of global warming, according to the EPA, plastics in a landfill increases greenhouse gases</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Use environmentally friendly flooring such as bamboo, cork or eucalyptus which has fast rates to replenish themselves; other choices are linoleum, recycled content tile or non VOC carpet</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Plant trees to provide shade and wind protection for your home</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Use native plants, their adapted to your soil and climate, which will save you time and money nurturing them</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Leave grass clippings on lawn, they decompose and make good fertilizer</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Minimize use of pesticides</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Keep indoors plants, some plants are particularly effective absorbers of harmful pollutants emitted from carpets, furniture, and electronic equipment. So clean your indoor air and "green" your living space by filling your home with spider plants, Boston ferns, rubber plants, and palm trees.</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Use manual, human-powered equipment instead of electric appliances, such as: manual can openers, whisks, walk behind lawn mowers</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Recycle old cell phones, batteries, televisions, anything electronic; don’t put it in a landfill</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Build a compost pile</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Install a rain barrel that can collect rainwater, plants love it</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Buy organic linens</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Don’t dry clean your clothes, dry cleaning solutions are highly toxic</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Donate used goods to charity, don’t throw them away</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Use durable goods, such as a cloth napkin at dinner instead of paper towel, use a real plate instead of a paper plate</font></span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000">Don’t forget to recycle glass, plastic, aluminum cans and paper</font></span> </li></ul><p> </p> 2009-07-08T03:49:44Z 2009-07-08T03:49:44Z http://www.bluegillenergy.com/knowledgecenter/residentialenergytips/149-ways-to-green-your-home- Administrator jjackson@makeitcomplete.com

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000"><p style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><ol><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Plug home electronics, such as TVs and VCRs, into power strips and turn power strips off when equipment is not in use.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Set your cooling temperature up to 78°F.  Dehumidified air at this temperature is very comfortable.  This is particularly effective if used in conjunction with tip #3.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Run your ceiling fan at all times when a room is occupied.  The air movement will help to evaporate the moisture from the skin and cools you by the evaporation process.  The room will actually feel 4° to 5° cooler than the indicated temperature.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Set the thermostat and leave it set unless the area is going to be unoccupied for an extended period of time. If you don’t own or use a programmable thermostat, you should.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Your Clothes Dryer pulls conditioned air from inside your home and pushes it outside at an average rate of 200 Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM).  The average runtime for a dryer is 1 hour, which means that it is pulling a total of 12,000 Cubic Feet of air from your home and pushing it outside through the dryer exhaust vent.  Since you are expelling 12,000 Cubic Feet of air, you are pulling in 12,000 Cubic Feet of air from the outside to compensate.  This air must be conditioned.  Make sure you run your clothes dryer when the temperature difference between inside and outside is at its smallest.  There is a big difference in cooling 80 degree air to 74 degrees versus cooling 95 degree or more air down to 74 degrees.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Unplug your computer and monitor when not in use.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Use your microwave instead of a conventional electric range or oven.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Keep the window coverings closed at least 75% during the hot periods of the day.  This is most important for houses that face either east or west.  Keep in mind that if your house faces east, the peak cooling demand may be in the morning.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Analyze and improve your duct leakage situation.  The most accurate method for this is conducted by a HERS Rater utilizing a Duct Blaster and a Blower Door.  Although, minor duct repairs are easy to accomplish, ducts in unconditioned spaces should be sealed and insulated by qualified professionals using the appropriate sealing materials.  We can help! Here are a few simple tips to help with minor duct repairs.  Check your ducts for air leaks.  First, look for sections that should be joined but have separated, and then look for obvious holes.  Do not use regular duct tape to repair and seal your ducts, it will fail.  Instead look for tape with the Under-writers Laboratories (UL) logo to avoid tape that degrades, cracks, and loses its bond with age.  For rigid ducts use UL-181A tape, for flexible ducts use UL-181B tape.  </span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Keep door and windows closed as much as possible.  This lowers the amount of air transfers with the outside.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">KEEP YOUR SYSTEM FILTERS CLEAN!  Replace or clean your basic air filters every thirty days. For advanced filtration see manufacturers suggested replacement policy.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Have your system serviced before the heating and cooling seasons.  You change the oil in your car every 3000 miles to ensure performance and longevity.  Why wouldn’t you do the same for equipment that cost almost as much?  You and your family depend on it for their comfort. Service contracts can help with this process.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"> </span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Keep your outdoor unit clean.  The accumulation of dirt, grass or other debris in the coils of your outdoor unit inhibits the transfer of heat and causes your equipment to run hotter, longer, and at a higher pressure.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Try to avoid doing the laundry or heavy cooking the heat of the day.  </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Keep the laundry room door closed when the washer and dryer are operating.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents (CFL).</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Always run a vent hood when cooking to remove heat and steam.  Check to make sure your vent hood is ventilated to the outside and not your attic area.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Houses with multiple systems must run both systems to achieve optimum performance.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Make sure the fireplace damper is in the closed position for the summer and also in the winter if no fire is going.  A great time to do this is when you schedule you spring air conditioner check up.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Run bath fans for at least 10 minutes after showering or bathing to remove heat and humidity.  Lower humidity means greater comfort in your home during the cooling season.  Check to make sure your bath fan is ventilated to the outside and not your attic area.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Take showers instead of baths to reduce hot water use.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">On the really hot days (above 95°F) don’t let the temperature inside the house reach more than 4°F above the desired temperature.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"> </span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater; 115 is comfortable for most uses.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">When entertaining large groups on hot days "pre-cool" your home and cut back on the amount of cooking and laundry during the heat of the day.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Contact Bluegill Energy Management for a Home Energy Audit.  We provide Turn-Key Solutions that provide dollars to sense as well as Building Science solutions for your homes’ energy, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) problems.</span></li></ol></font></span>

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"><font color="#000000"><p style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><ol><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Plug home electronics, such as TVs and VCRs, into power strips and turn power strips off when equipment is not in use.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Set your cooling temperature up to 78°F.  Dehumidified air at this temperature is very comfortable.  This is particularly effective if used in conjunction with tip #3.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Run your ceiling fan at all times when a room is occupied.  The air movement will help to evaporate the moisture from the skin and cools you by the evaporation process.  The room will actually feel 4° to 5° cooler than the indicated temperature.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Set the thermostat and leave it set unless the area is going to be unoccupied for an extended period of time. If you don’t own or use a programmable thermostat, you should.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Your Clothes Dryer pulls conditioned air from inside your home and pushes it outside at an average rate of 200 Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM).  The average runtime for a dryer is 1 hour, which means that it is pulling a total of 12,000 Cubic Feet of air from your home and pushing it outside through the dryer exhaust vent.  Since you are expelling 12,000 Cubic Feet of air, you are pulling in 12,000 Cubic Feet of air from the outside to compensate.  This air must be conditioned.  Make sure you run your clothes dryer when the temperature difference between inside and outside is at its smallest.  There is a big difference in cooling 80 degree air to 74 degrees versus cooling 95 degree or more air down to 74 degrees.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Unplug your computer and monitor when not in use.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Use your microwave instead of a conventional electric range or oven.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Keep the window coverings closed at least 75% during the hot periods of the day.  This is most important for houses that face either east or west.  Keep in mind that if your house faces east, the peak cooling demand may be in the morning.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Analyze and improve your duct leakage situation.  The most accurate method for this is conducted by a HERS Rater utilizing a Duct Blaster and a Blower Door.  Although, minor duct repairs are easy to accomplish, ducts in unconditioned spaces should be sealed and insulated by qualified professionals using the appropriate sealing materials.  We can help! Here are a few simple tips to help with minor duct repairs.  Check your ducts for air leaks.  First, look for sections that should be joined but have separated, and then look for obvious holes.  Do not use regular duct tape to repair and seal your ducts, it will fail.  Instead look for tape with the Under-writers Laboratories (UL) logo to avoid tape that degrades, cracks, and loses its bond with age.  For rigid ducts use UL-181A tape, for flexible ducts use UL-181B tape.  </span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Keep door and windows closed as much as possible.  This lowers the amount of air transfers with the outside.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">KEEP YOUR SYSTEM FILTERS CLEAN!  Replace or clean your basic air filters every thirty days. For advanced filtration see manufacturers suggested replacement policy.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Have your system serviced before the heating and cooling seasons.  You change the oil in your car every 3000 miles to ensure performance and longevity.  Why wouldn’t you do the same for equipment that cost almost as much?  You and your family depend on it for their comfort. Service contracts can help with this process.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"> </span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Keep your outdoor unit clean.  The accumulation of dirt, grass or other debris in the coils of your outdoor unit inhibits the transfer of heat and causes your equipment to run hotter, longer, and at a higher pressure.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Try to avoid doing the laundry or heavy cooking the heat of the day.  </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Keep the laundry room door closed when the washer and dryer are operating.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents (CFL).</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Always run a vent hood when cooking to remove heat and steam.  Check to make sure your vent hood is ventilated to the outside and not your attic area.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Houses with multiple systems must run both systems to achieve optimum performance.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Make sure the fireplace damper is in the closed position for the summer and also in the winter if no fire is going.  A great time to do this is when you schedule you spring air conditioner check up.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Run bath fans for at least 10 minutes after showering or bathing to remove heat and humidity.  Lower humidity means greater comfort in your home during the cooling season.  Check to make sure your bath fan is ventilated to the outside and not your attic area.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Take showers instead of baths to reduce hot water use.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">On the really hot days (above 95°F) don’t let the temperature inside the house reach more than 4°F above the desired temperature.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt"> </span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater; 115 is comfortable for most uses.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">When entertaining large groups on hot days "pre-cool" your home and cut back on the amount of cooking and laundry during the heat of the day.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt">Contact Bluegill Energy Management for a Home Energy Audit.  We provide Turn-Key Solutions that provide dollars to sense as well as Building Science solutions for your homes’ energy, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) problems.</span></li></ol></font></span> 2009-07-07T11:33:11Z 2009-07-07T11:33:11Z http://www.bluegillenergy.com/knowledgecenter/34-greenbuilding/135-buildingenergysimulation Administrator jjackson@makeitcomplete.com

<p>Building energy simulation is the science of estimating the energy interactions within a building. These interactions include the direct purchase of energy, such as electricity for lighting or natural gas for heating, but also the exchange of energy due to such things as the infiltration of air into a building or the heat generated by a building's occupants. Simulation attempts to account for these factors, plus many more, in determining the heating, cooling and ventilation loads within a building, the equipment types and sizes needed to meet these loads, and the cost to operate this equipment plus other non-HVAC (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning) equipmen.</p><p>Building energy simulation is used as a tool in the design of buildings, for determining compliance to building standards and for the economic optimization of building components. It can be used on buildings of any size, from one zone residential houses to multi-zone large commercial buildings, or any occupancy, such as schools, offices, hospitals, supermarkets, etc. There are different methods of building energy analysis which vary in complexity, but all have three common elements, the calculation of space heating and cooling loads, the load on secondary equipment, and the energy requirements of primary equipment. Secondary equipment is that equipment which distributes the heating, cooling or ventilating medium to the conditioned space, while primary equipment is central plant equipment that converts fuel or electricity to the heating or cooling effect. Generally, as a method becomes more complex it becomes more accurate. However, the improved accuracy usually comes with increased effort and time to perform a simulation.</p>

<p>Building energy simulation is the science of estimating the energy interactions within a building. These interactions include the direct purchase of energy, such as electricity for lighting or natural gas for heating, but also the exchange of energy due to such things as the infiltration of air into a building or the heat generated by a building's occupants. Simulation attempts to account for these factors, plus many more, in determining the heating, cooling and ventilation loads within a building, the equipment types and sizes needed to meet these loads, and the cost to operate this equipment plus other non-HVAC (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning) equipmen.</p><p>Building energy simulation is used as a tool in the design of buildings, for determining compliance to building standards and for the economic optimization of building components. It can be used on buildings of any size, from one zone residential houses to multi-zone large commercial buildings, or any occupancy, such as schools, offices, hospitals, supermarkets, etc. There are different methods of building energy analysis which vary in complexity, but all have three common elements, the calculation of space heating and cooling loads, the load on secondary equipment, and the energy requirements of primary equipment. Secondary equipment is that equipment which distributes the heating, cooling or ventilating medium to the conditioned space, while primary equipment is central plant equipment that converts fuel or electricity to the heating or cooling effect. Generally, as a method becomes more complex it becomes more accurate. However, the improved accuracy usually comes with increased effort and time to perform a simulation.</p>