Lighting
- Reduce the number of lights used: use sunlight and/or task lights instead of overhead lights, where possible.
- Turn off most lights at night and on weekends, using only the lights you need for security.
- Learn more about lighting.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
- Set thermostats to 68 degrees for heating and 75 degrees for cooling.
- Regularly check and maintain HVAC equipment:
- Replace dirty air filters.
- Clean intake screens, condenser coils, supply registers and return grills.
- Repair damaged or disconnected ductwork.
- Calibrate sensors and thermostats.
- Learn more about heating and cooling.
Operations and management
- Turn off computers at night and on weekends.
- Turn off lights in unused areas or when daylight is sufficient. Most offices are over lighted.
- Pull down window shades to avoid direct sun, especially on the south and west sides of the building.
- Educate tenants and employees about how their behaviors affect energy use.
- Revise janitorial practices to reduce the number of hours lights are turned on each day.
- Provide training for facilities management crews to help them identify opportunities for energy-efficiency.
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-efficiency consultation. This process can often be quickly accomplished over the phone or via e-mail. We can also provide a third-party technical review of improvements you are considering, and through May 31 when you sign up for a consultation, you’ll also be entered for a chance to win one of five $3,000 efficiency upgrades.
Use PGE’s energy monitoring services to track your energy use and bills for a clear picture of where your dollars are going and where you can save. This includes monthly, daily and customer reporting options that help you pinpoint problems and identify key opportunities for improving energy-efficiency.
For outdoor lighting, use photosensors or timers and switch to high-pressure sodium, pulse-start metal halide or induction (QL) lamps. PGE lighting services offers many options.