Healthcare

Patient care facilities often generate excessive energy waste. Cut energy costs, improve operational performance and enhance comfort with these simple tips.

Savings Opportunities: Peak Demand Management

Discover ways to maximize energy savings, manage demand or develop a time-of-use action plan. Check out the tips below to improve efficiency in each area of your healthcare facility.

HVAC

• Pre-cool your space before the peak hours of 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
• Raise the temperature and reduce air exchanges in unoccupied patient rooms.
• Install variable frequency drives to control ventilation supply and exhaust fan speeds according to demand, saving energy.
• Install smart thermostats or an energy management system (EMS) to provide more precise temperature control in patient and staff areas.
• Inspect and replace air filters regularly to achieve energy savings and avoid breakdowns.
• Schedule seasonal tune-ups to check air conditioning refrigerant levels, gas furnace/boiler burner operation, clean internal components and tighten loose connections.
• Replace older air conditioning units and furnaces/boilers with energy efficient models and save 30% or more.
• Implement rooftop economizers to pull in cool outside air, saving up to 10% on cooling costs.
• Install shade screens or window film to reduce solar heat gain.

If your business has a smart thermostat, you may be able to receive up to $185 in prepaid cards by participating in our Power Savers Program. Learn more online.

New updates to the AC Optimization Program coming soon!

Lighting

• Purchase indoor lighting with an 80+ CRI color quality rating.
• Replace fluorescent lamps with LEDs and save 30% or more.
• Use high illumination levels and high CCT color temperatures (over 4000K) for exam rooms.
• Use lower illumination levels and lower CCT (less than 3000K) for waiting areas.
• Turn off all lights in unoccupied spaces of your patient care facility.
• Install occupancy sensors in low foot-traffic areas.
• Control lighting with timers, occupancy sensors and daylight sensors for optimal energy savings.
• Add skylights to introduce natural light into your healthcare facility. Studies show that patients in bright, naturally lit rooms require less medication and have shorter lengths of stay.

To see if your business qualifies for free energy efficiency upgrades visit the Commercial Direct Install Program (CDI) website or call 1-877-714-1254.

Plug Loads

• Use the power management setting on computers and monitors so they go into power saving mode when not in use. This can save up to $50 per computer each year.
• Centralize multifunction devices like printers and copiers.
• Use smart power strips to turn off copy machines and printers when not used for extended periods.
• Unplug small electronics when not in use and cell phones once charged. Adapters plugged into outlets use energy even when not running.
• Turn off TV monitors and diagnostic equipment overnight or when not in use.
• Purchase ENERGY STAR-certified computers, TV monitors and kitchen appliances, which are 35% to 60% more efficient than standard models.
• Use vending machine controls to reduce lighting and refrigeration loads during periods of non-use.
• Use timers on exterior signs, lights and water features.