You’ll see even greater savings when you invest in improving inefficient systems, or replace old energy hogs altogether. High-efficiency equipment may cost more initially, but when measured on a lifecycle cost basis, it is far less expensive than less efficient equipment.

Cash incentives from Energy Trust of Oregon and any available tax credits may further reduce the payback period. In addition, your improvements may qualify for the Oregon Energy Loan Program offered by the Oregon Department of Energy.

For typical measures and what you can save see below.*

Lighting
Install T8 or T5HO High Bay fixtures and save up to 50 percent over existing probe-start metal halide and high pressure sodium fixtures, more when used with occupancy sensors: 3- to 5-year payback.

Install ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent fixtures and save 65 percent of the energy used by incandescents: 2- to 4-year payback.

Replace T12 fluorescent fixtures with high-performance T8 lamps and electronic ballasts and save 40 percent or more: 2- to 4-year payback.

Install occupancy sensors to control lights in areas that are frequently unoccupied, such as private offices, storage rooms, conference rooms and restrooms: 2- to 5-year payback.

Install LED exit signs and save up to 90 percent over incandescent signs: 2- to 3-year payback.

Learn more about lighting.

HVAC, pumps, motors and drives
When purchasing new HVAC systems, choose high-performance HVAC equipment, economizers and advanced controls.

It is rarely worthwhile to replace a functioning motor. But when installing new equipment or replacing malfunctioning motors, investing in NEMA premium efficiency motors helps you recover your investment in energy savings in a matter of months. Take advantage of Energy Trust of Oregon motor rebates (PDF).

Installing variable frequency drives on compressors, production drives, HVAC fans and other equipment may help reduce energy consumption.

Use qualified shops, such as members of the Green Motors Practices group, for rewinding motors.

Learn more about heating and cooling.

• Install high-efficiency compressors.
• Install automatic compressor controls to modulate and sequence operation among compressors.
• Consider using waste heat for water heating.
• If air quality is a concern, install low-pressure drop filters and efficient air dryer technologies.
• Replace undersized piping as this may allow a reduction in system pressure, reducing compressor power consumption.
• Consider bringing outside air into mechanical rooms to cool compressors.

• Install the most efficient fan types, such as airfoil fans, instead of backward inclined varieties.
• Replace belt drives and dampers with adjustable speed drives and automatic controls to correctly match fan speed to system demand.
• Reconfigure system layout to optimize end use.
• Choose motors that are labeled NEMA Premium®.

Building improvements
Insulate new cold-storage facilities to maximum recommended levels, and ensure that the roof and south-facing wall are light-colored. Combined, these two simple measures can reduce the temperature of the wall and roof by 20 degrees.

Consider commissioning systems. Due to the complexity of these systems, it may be beneficial to review control strategies and set points.

• Equipment is nearing the end of its useful life.
• Expansion requires an upgrade to existing equipment.
• Existing equipment is unreliable, requiring costly, time-consuming repairs.
• Air conditioning costs are high.
• Your HVAC system is difficult to control or provides unsatisfactory space conditioning.