As a provider in our industry we recognize that we have a direct impact on energy efficiency, and therefore on our environment.  Our vision requires that we raise the energy conservation bar for ourselves and work with our customers to help them do the same.   

Energy Saving Tips for Our Customers:

Office Equipment

• Turn off all office equipment and lights every night and weekend. If you can't turn off the whole computer, turn off the monitor and the printer.
• When purchasing PCs, monitors, printers, fax machines and copiers, consider ENERGY STAR models that "power down" after a user-specified period of inactivity.
• If appropriate, use laptop computers and inkjet printers they consume 90 percent less energy than standard desktop computers.
• Use e-mail instead of sending memos and faxing documents.
• If you need to print, consider double-sided printing and reusing paper.

Lighting

• Retrofit T12 lights with magnetic ballasts to T8 lights with electronic ballasts.
• Replace incandescent light lamps with compact fluorescent lamps.
• Consider removing excess fluorescent lights and installing reflectors. Lighter colored walls need less light.
• Install motion detectors to control lighting in frequently unoccupied areas, such as restrooms.
• Retrofit incandescent or fluorescent exit signs with long-lasting, low-energy LED exit signs.
• Clean dusty diffusers and lamps every 6-12 months for improved lumen output.

HVAC

• Set thermostats at 78 degrees F for cooling in the summer and 68 degrees F for heating in the winter.
• Install electronic time clocks or setback-programmable thermostats to maximize efficiency.
• Install locking covers on your thermostats to prevent employee tampering with temperature settings.
• Regularly clean condenser coils, replace air filters, and check ducts and pipe insulation for damage.
• Consider installing an air conditioning economizer to bring in outside air when cool outside.
• Consider replacing old HVAC systems with new energy-efficient systems.
• Install ceiling fans.
• Install blinds or solar screen shades. Use reflective window film or awnings on all south-facing windows.
• Install ceiling and wall insulation.
• Insulate water heaters and supply pipes.

Refrigeration

• Perform scheduled maintenance on units, especially keeping evaporator coils clean and free of ice build-up.
• Adjust door latches, replace worn door gaskets, install autoclosers, and add strip curtains to walkin doors.
• Use night covers on both vertical and horizontal display cases.
• Disconnect anti-condensate heaters.
• Keep refrigerators full (water jugs make good fillers).

Food Service Equipment

• Consider replacing some or all electric cooking equipment with comparably sized gas-fired equipment.
• Purchase insulated cooking equipment whenever possible (e.g., fryers, ovens, coffee machines).
• Preheat cooking equipment no longer and at no higher setting than the manufacturer's recommendation.
• Use cooking equipment to capacity. Fully loaded equipment utilizes energy more efficiently. Turn off unused and backup equipment during low production periods.
• Filter fryer oil at least once a day to extend the oil life.
• Don't overload fryer baskets beyond the recommended capacity. Overloading increases cook time.
• Where applicable, replace broilers with grooved or smooth griddles to significantly reduce the associated energy consumption.
• Make sure oven doors fit tightly and gaskets are in good condition.