Lighting
Keep light fixtures clean and dust free to maintain optimum light output.

Use ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent lights to replace incandescent lights where appropriate. For a “color temperature” similar to incandescent bulbs, look for bulbs labeled “warm light” or that are marked with a 2700 K to 3000 K color temperature rating on the package or bulb base. The color of light is related by degrees Kelvin — the lower the Kelvin temperature, the warmer the light.

If you feel that you must use incandescent light, consider switching 120-volt incandescent lamps to 130-volt lamps for longer lamp life and energy savings if slightly lower light output is appropriate.

Dimming incandescents saves energy and gives you longer lamp life. Dimmable compact fluorescent lights are available, but are not an optimal solution.

Turn off unnecessary lights at shutdown.

Learn more about lighting.

Kitchen operations

• Have appliances and exhaust hood on only when they are actually needed; reduce idle standby time by creating an efficient startup and shutdown schedule.
• To defrost food, use a microwave instead of running hot water.
• Consider a water-saving pre-rinse sprayer.
• Run only full dishwasher loads.
• Close refrigerator/cooler doors as quickly as possible.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

• Install ENERGY STAR® programmable thermostats. Set at 68 degrees for heating; 75 degrees for cooling. Use the night setback feature for additional savings.
• Keep the back door closed so you don’t lose HVAC dollars.
• Balance ventilation; adjust exhaust hood fan speed so it doesn’t remove conditioned air too quickly and waste energy.
• Since the early 1990s, energy codes have greatly improved the energy-efficiency of glazing systems. In older construction consider installing awnings, window shades or window film to reduce solar gain and the need for cooling.
• Weatherproof doors and windows to seal air leaks.
• Learn more about heating and cooling.

Maintenance

• Regularly clean or replace air filters on HVAC equipment. Clean grease traps on ventilation equipment.
• Clean AC and refrigeration condenser/evaporator coils quarterly.
• Schedule HVAC system maintenance twice a year.
• Replace refrigeration and oven door gaskets when worn.

Training
Involve staff in saving energy. Explain that everyday behavior, such as turning off unneeded lights, closing cooler doors, and other simple steps can make a big difference for the restaurant’s bottom line. It helps to set goals, track energy bills and share success with staff.

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.

Good nighttime outdoor lighting can give a sense of safety and security and create a more pleasing dining experience. 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.