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Happy December! As winter ramps up, don't let your utility bills spike. Check out our winter energy saving tips below to save some extra money this holiday season.
Winter Energy Saving Tips
Optimize your building performance with retro-commissioning: Prioritize low and no cost operational improvements by scheduling a retro-commissioning study. A retro-commissioning study can ensure that your equipment and schedules are running accurately and effectively without breaking the bank.
Plan an upgrade and secure financing through C-PACE: As we near the new year, it's important to plan and budget for your upcoming projects. Add a sustainable or energy efficiency component to your project and you may be able to gain access to smart financing with Chicago C-PACE.
Get an energy audit: An energy audit is a great way to learn about the energy saving opportunities available in your facilities. It also allows you to prioritize projects with low payback periods.
Schedule an HVAC tune-up: Chicago winters can be tough, but summer will be here before you know it! Now is the best time to schedule your spring HVAC tune-up. Performing this regular maintenance can extend the life of your unit and improve its efficiency.
What is the Energy Burden?
The energy burden, the percentage of a person's income that is spent on energy, is a major concern throughout the industry. In Illinois, nearly 2 million residents are considered low-income, according to a study released by the Heartland Alliance. These communities are hit harder by the energy burden than the average American, spending three times more on their annual bill.
To lower utility and maintenance costs, low-income communities need reliable access to thoughtfully designed energy efficiency programs. Buildings located in these areas are generally older and may not have the time, money, or staff to undergo major renovations or preventative maintenance. This suggests that building systems such as insulation, lighting, and HVAC are not providing adequate lighting and air quality.
As a part of the growing need to emphasize energy efficiency in income eligible communities, the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC), a partnership between 360 Energy Group and the University of Illinois, is working to create an easy to participate, highly incentivized program that will allow for energy efficiency to be a practical option for the communities that need it most. If you think your community may be eligible for this program, contact our 360 Energy Group Project Manager, Bryan Tillman, at 773-236-8901 or bryan@360eg.com.
Facebook Live Recap
Thank you to everyone who attended our recent 360 GrEEn Screen event on Facebook Live! Our energy experts Ryan Curry and Simon Nowak discussed the financial and performance benefits of retro-commissioning.
Retro-commissioning (RCx) is the adjustment of your current equipment and controls to improve the use, comfort, and energy performance of a building. RCx is also one of the best options in terms of capital investment. As expert retro-commissioning service providers, our team has assessed over 70 million square feet and identified over $15 million in energy cost savings. If you missed our Facebook Live, you can find a recording on our website here.
The Social Media Corner
How to Earn ENERGY STAR Certification for Your Building
Applying for ENERGY STAR certification is a smart decision for your business and the environment. Read our latest blog post to learn more. Read more here.
FAQ From Our Facebook Live
Following our Facebook Live session, we compiled a few frequently asked questions on retro-commissioning. Read more here.
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