Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

• Use window shades or blinds to minimize heat gain and loss.
• Use operable windows in the cool part of day in summer.
• Caulk around window frames.
• Seal air leaks.
• Plant deciduous trees, especially on the south side, to minimize heat gain in summer.
• Install low-cost window reflective film.
• Tune-up the building's heating and ventilation system.
• Clean HVAC filters, condensers and evaporative coils.

Equipment

• Replace dirty air filters.
• Clean intake screens, condenser coils, supply registers and return grills.
• Calibrate sensors, gauges and thermostats.
• Inspect the dampers to verify.
• Dampers close completely.
• Damper motors are operating properly.
• Position indicators accurately indicate damper positions.
• Repair insulation on cooling system pipes.
• Inspect your duct work.
• Repair damaged or disconnected ducts.
• Seal all duct joints and elbows.
• Insulate duct work in unconditioned areas.
• Repair steam traps.

Controls

• Set thermostats at 68° for heating and 75° for cooling.
• Make sure the fan switch is set to “auto” rather than “on”.
• Make sure the system setting is at an energy-saving level after hours<./li>
• Make sure controls are not permanently or manually overridden.
• Make sure all controls are working properly.
• Set controls to only heat sections of the building as needed.

Operations

• Review control strategies for each season: heating, cooling and “swing” seasons.
• Make sure all documentation is accurate and up-to-date.
• Track actual equipment performance against expected performance.
• Install locking thermostat covers.

How PGE can help

• Check out the PGE class schedule to take advantage of a variety of courses to enhance business practices and get expert advice on how to save energy and money.
• Contact the PGE Business Services team to arrange for a free PGE energy walkthrough. You’ll receive a written report identifying specific savings opportunities for your facility. We also can provide a third-party technical review of improvements you are considering.
• Track your energy use and bills to get a clear picture of where your dollars are going and where you can save. To make it easy, PGE’s Energy Information Services offers monthly, daily and custom reporting options that help you pinpoint problems and identify key opportunities for saving energy. These fee-based options are designed to meet the needs of midsize to large electricity users.

Learn more
Find more energy-saving ideas for windows and insulation in these sections:

• Smart Investments