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More Efficient Water Heaters: New Energy Standards for 2015
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More Efficient Water Heaters: New Energy Standards for 2015
July 14, 2014 | Categories: Energy Solutions, Plumbing
With new regulations from the DOE, water heaters on the market are going to be more efficient. By April 16, 2015 residential water heater manufacturers will be required to only produce water heaters that meet new Energy Factor (EF) standards as laid out in the amended National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA). Regulations currently apply…
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Greening the DC Area – Poop to Power, Measuring Energy Use
June 9, 2014 | Categories: Energy Solutions, HVACR, Plumbing
DC Water: Turning Waste into Power and Fertilizer DC Water is installing a new system to transform our area’s wastewater into electricity to partially power their plant and produce Class A organic fertilizer. The Norwegian system, Cambi, uses a process called thermal hydrolysis to achieve these goals. DC Water will reduce its Pepco bill by…
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For HVAC Systems, Size Matters – It has to be just right
February 17, 2014 | Categories: Energy Solutions, HVACR
When replacing an HVAC unit, purchasing the right size equipment really does matter. It reminds me a bit of the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. One bed was too hard, one was too soft, but the third was just right! It was the most comfortable. Goldilocks probably would have similar complaints about HVAC…
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What is a VFD? And why install a Variable Frequency Drive?
January 22, 2014 | Categories: Energy Solutions, HVACR, Plumbing
Overseeing a building in this competitive rental market requires you to create a comfortable environment for tenants, while closely watching the bottom line, and being environmentally responsible. It’s not always easy to meet all three of these goals with just one modification to equipment, but installing VFDs on equipment motors does just that. Take a…
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Rooftop Units (RTUs): Retrofit to Achieve Energy Savings
October 28, 2013 | Categories: Energy Solutions, HVACR
Rooftop Units (RTUs) are among the most prevalent type of HVAC system in commercial buildings, cooling over 60% of the US commercial building floor area. Due to the age of many buildings, most of these units are 10 to 20 years old. With the increasing age of these units and advances in technologies over the…
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It’s “Heat’s On – Water’s Off” Season
September 16, 2013 | Categories: Energy Solutions, HVACR, Plumbing
In the spring, we often take that extra effort to really clean up and clean out cluttered spaces for some good old fashioned spring cleaning. But what do you do when autumn rolls around? Well, may I suggest adding fall inspecting into your annual routine? Fall is the perfect time to inspect your heating system…
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Boiler Maintenance for a Stronger Bottom Line
August 19, 2013 | Categories: Energy Solutions, HVACR
Has your boiler ever failed, leaving you and your building occupants in the cold? Does your energy bill skyrocket after starting up your boiler? Your boiler can have a major impact on your bottom line this winter. An unreliable boiler means a decrease in productivity. An inefficient boiler means increased energy costs. An unsafe boiler…
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Turn Off Unneeded Lights – Air Conditioning Appreciation Days
August 14, 2013 | Categories: Energy Solutions, HVACR
Turn off the lights when you are not using them. When you leave a room, turn the lights off. If the room has enough daylight, turn the lights off. While this may be a classic energy saving tip, sometimes we forget. Lights use electricity, and when we are already seeing a spike in our bill…
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Keep Your Vents Open and Clear of Clutter – Air Conditioning Appreciation Days
August 7, 2013 | Categories: Energy Solutions, HVACR
Trying everything to stay cool in these summer temperatures? Check your vents! Keeping the vents throughout your home or building unobstructed is not only important in keeping you comfortable, but also in keeping your AC system running efficiently. There are two kinds of vents, supply and return vents. Supply vents bring conditioned air to the…
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Set Your Thermostat to the Highest Comfortable Setting – Air Conditioning Appreciation Days
July 31, 2013 | Categories: Energy Solutions, HVACR
If you’re wrapped up in a blanket or walking around your home in long pants or a sweater, consider the energy you’re wasting by over-cooling your home. To save on energy costs, make your home comfortable to be in your summer clothes. When setting your thermostat, find a balance between comfort and efficiency. Try to…
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