Many structures built before 1973 weren’t energy-efficient and relied on non-renewable energy sources like coal, natural gas, and petroleum. Also, it is a must for taking a record of the electrical estimating services for contractors so as to build up a whole electrical network to make sure the running of electricity. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which was founded by a group of 12 oil-rich nations, set a cap on the amount of petroleum that other non-producing nations could buy. The embargo was eventually lifted by OPEC, but non-oil-producing nations had to change their habits for years after the regulation was put in place in order to function with reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
This is a big challenge for electrical estimating services for contractors. As a result, the demand for energy-efficient buildings increased, and new construction techniques emerged that were all intended to save energy. Any building owner, or even an individual homeowner, wants to reduce energy usage while also saving money. Here are different strategies to Make a Building (or Home) More Energy Efficient, ranging from the easy, affordable options to the more difficult, expensive options.
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Measure Your Energy Consumption:
The majority of enterprises do not have the luxury of starting from scratch when remodeling an existing structure. You can improve your energy efficiency whether you own a home or rent, and the first step is to measure your consumption. When looking for areas where you can increase energy efficiency the most, benchmarking is a wonderful place to start. The electrical estimators can use the free web-based Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool to see how your buildings stack up against comparable North American commercial structures.
Focus on Insulation:
Your building’s exterior envelope should be constructed to use less heating and cooling. Your building should be as airtight as possible thanks to your insulation. This can be done in new construction by utilizing non-traditional wall systems that provide additional insulation and high-performance insulation. It can be a wise investment to replace existing buildings’ doors and windows in order to prevent air leakage. This became possible due to electrical takeoff services.
Choose the Right Ventilation System:
You will want to employ a ventilation system to maintain good air quality and prevent the buildup of moisture because your structure will be as airtight as you can make it. It has been easier for electrical estimating services for contractors due to advanced technology. Systems called heat recovery ventilators warm the air coming into your building by using the air leaving it. Air from your structure can chill outside air throughout the heat.
Buy Certified Equipment:
The electrical estimators should keep an eye out for high-performing, energy-efficient systems, and equipment on the market. For instance, goods with the Energy Star certification often rank in the top 15 to 30 percent of their category for energy performance. Depending on how it is used, an Energy Star-certified computer, for instance, will consume 30% to 65% less energy than a normal non-certified model. Since these items change frequently, it’s critical to follow any new advancements.
Use LED Lights:
Compared to incandescent lighting, switching to LED lighting can help you save 75% on energy.
In order to reduce energy use, sensors can also be employed in places that aren’t used very often, including conference rooms and stalls.
Consider Upgrading to LEED:
The LEED green building standard is increasingly being used in the construction of many buildings in Canada. It strives to enhance building sustainability in areas including site planning, water efficiency, energy consumption, material choice, indoor air quality, and design elements. It has also reduced the manufacturing cost of electrical estimating services for contractors. Typically, LEED buildings cost 2% more to construct than conventional buildings, but thanks to better water and energy efficiency and a greater occupancy rate, this additional cost is usually recovered in a few years.
Calculate Your Return on Investment:
Energy efficiency investments are among the safest ones you can make, despite high upfront expenses. According to Natural Resources Canada, retrofitting a building, for instance, can result in energy savings of 5 to 15% and often pays for itself in less than three years.
In addition, the government and nearby utilities offer support. The Natural Resources Canada website has a list of all grants and financial incentives for energy efficiency broken down by province.
Focus on Renewable Energy Sources:
Fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas, and oil, were utilized as fuel prior to the development of technology that enabled energy to be gathered from nature. There is still a considerable use of fossil fuels which are among electrical estimating services for contractors. Fossil fuels account for about 74% of the world’s energy requirements. Unfortunately, using fossil fuels can damage the environment and deplete natural resources. Renewable energy sources are used to overcome this problem because they generate relatively little waste and will be available for years to come.
Solar cells, a sustainable energy source frequently utilized in solar panels, are one example of how technology has advanced. Solar cells transform solar energy into a source of renewable energy that may be used. Buildings can be more effective since utilizing the sun reduces the need for non-renewable energy sources.
Implement Cogeneration Systems:
Large buildings like hospitals, resorts, and industrial operations can use cogeneration systems to become more energy efficient. Cogeneration is the process of using waste heat from on-site electric generators to heat residential water and space. It is also possible to utilize the waste heat from an industrial operation, which reduces energy waste and boosts the plant’s energy effectiveness.
Even if you only begin with the more basic suggestions, like replacing old incandescent light bulbs with LEDs or improving insulation, these little adjustments can still have a significant impact on a building’s energy efficiency. In addition to helping building owners save money, the implementation of these techniques mentioned above is a wise choice for protecting the environment and our natural resources.
