Operational Changes

One of the greatest effects on energy use is user behavior. Once an energy audit has established a baseline for the current energy use in a building, operational changes should be identified to control how and when the building is used to minimize the use of energy-consuming equipment. These changes can range from simple measures such as regular cleaning and maintenance of mechanical equipment to installing sophisticated controls that cycle equipment on and off in specified intervals for maximum performance. The following changes are recommended to reduce heating and cooling costs.

• Install programmable thermostats.
• Close off rooms that are not in use and adjust the temperature in those rooms.
• Do not condition rooms that do not need to be conditioned, thereby reducing the thermal envelope.
• Use insulated shades and curtains to control heat gain and loss through windows.
• Use operable windows, shutters, awnings and vents as originally intended to control temperature and ventilation.
• Take advantage of natural light.
• Install compact fluorescent lights (CFL) and light emitting diode (LED) lights.
• Install motion sensors and timers for lighting and local ventilation, such as bathroom exhaust fans.
• Reduce “phantom” electricity loads by turning equipment off when not in use.
• Clean and service mechanical equipment regularly.

These measures should be undertaken first to save energy in any existing building and are particularly appropriate for historic buildings because they do not require alterations to historic materials.