Restaurant's Energy Audits

The good news is, simply because foodservice uses so much gas and/or electricity, you're automatically an essential customer to your power provider. You are able to leverage this clout to use the utility's expertise, which can assist you to manage your business. Power businesses often supply cash rebates, low-interest loans for gear updates, and free design and technical advice. You may as well get to know them! In fact, you should have a contact person at every public power (or, in deregulated markets, your Retail Electric Provider) with which you do company.

An energy audit is the process used to determine how your facility uses power and where savings might be obtained. There are simple, walk-through audits done by power providers at the request of customers. A lot more detailed analysis audits might require the services of an engineer or consultant. Walk-through audits are usually free of charge. The service provider's representative will already have info about your average bills when he or she comes out to inspect the property, look at your food preparation and storage gear, ask about habits and procedures, and suggest improvements you could make.

Some suggestions (such as replacing an appliance or adding insulation) may price cash. Of course, regardless of whether you act on the audit results is up to you. There's typically a charge for an analysis audit, since it requires gathering a lot more detailed information about the types of heating and cooling systems and appliances, and even the illumination levels of the lights in your dining room. The data is input into a computer, which may suggest:

Structural or style modifications to your building

Replacing or retrofitting some gear

A target electric rate that's "best" for your specific company

Frequently a financial analysis of each from the energy conservation measures (ECMs) is provided, so you can compare the price to the potential payoff over time. The recommendations are designed to give you lots of choices. For instance, let's say you have recessed lighting in the dining room ceiling, and also the audit suggests it's inefficient. You could:

Change from incandescent light bulbs to more efficient, reflector (R) or ellipsoidal reflector (ER) bulbs. Paint the room a lighter color, which would be more reflective and consequently require less artificial light. Install more light switches or dimmers, to better control individual areas or rooms. Lower the ceiling height. Install skylights or light tubes. Who performs these audits? A call for your utility organization or REP should get you started. One advantage the power has is that it can track the history of energy use at your site even before you got there. If it utilized to become another restaurant, this might be very helpful. There are also private firms listed in the telephone directories under Energy Management and Conservation Consultants. When selecting a private contractor, it's important to ask:

What they charge

Exactly what the fee includes

Whether they represent a variety of equipment manufacturers (so they're not just

trying to market you their personal brand of system or appliance)

If they are qualified as Certified Energy Managers (CEMs) by the Association of

Energy Engineers

For sample reports and references

Often gear manufacturer's representatives will provide a no-cost energy audit as part of their "introductory service." Remember, even though their advice may be free, they're attempting to sell you their products. Some restaurateurs challenge their personal employees to self-audit, finding the greatest ways to save power. Walk-through self-audit forms have been developed by numerous power businesses. Not each line will apply to each restaurant or foodservice company, but it could be a thorough starting point. Involving your staff in power management is really a very wise move, not only simply because it's profitable but simply because it is a responsible method to do company.

Make it the topic of some staff meetings. Give employees an incentive, and let them try their personal walk-through and report on their findings, as often as every six months. You may be surprised at what they come up with! Just keep in mind, particularly with a brand-new business, there's no substitute for the expertise of a utility organization or contractor. If you can find changes to be made, a thorough power audit will assist you to prioritize them. It also could be the groundwork for future planning, including project financing, compliance with government regulations, and LEED certification (the Leadership in Power and Environmental Design program).

Franco Zinzi has been involved with online marketing for nearly 3 years and likes to write on various subjects. Come visit his latest website which discusses of Restaurant Fridges and Jenn Air Fridges for the owner of his own business.