Tools and Tips: Be an “Energy Star”

Editor’s Note: Also see “Be an ‘Energy Star’,” March 09

ENERGY AUDIT TOOLS

Home Energy Saver (free residential online tool provided by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

Portfolio Manager (free online tool developed by EPA for commercial buildings

Home Analyzer and Business Analyzer (free auditing tools developed by Aclara Software)

PRODUCT INFORMATION AND SAVINGS CALCULATORS

Clothes Washers

The EPA estimates that operators will save on average more than $100 per washer per year by using Energy Star rated commercial washers vs. unrated washers. Savings vary depending on utility rates, fuel choice and other factors. To quantify the financial benefits of choosing Energy Star rated washers for your facilities, enter your local assumptions into the Energy Star commercial clothes washer savings calculator below.

Clothes Washers Qualified Model List  (Excel)

Commercial Clothes Washer Savings Calculator (Excel)

Commercial Food Service Equipment

Restaurants that invest strategically can cut utility costs 10 to 30% without sacrificing service, quality, style or comfort—while making significant contributions to a cleaner environment, according to the EPA. Restaurants, or facilities with commercial kitchens are one of the highest energy consumers of buildings—using approximately 250,000 Btu/sq.ft. This is roughly 2.5 times more energy per square foot than other commercial buildings. Outfitting an entire kitchen with Energy Star qualified commercial food service equipment could save operators about 285 Mbtu/year annually (the equivalent of approximately $2500).

Food Service Savings Calculators (Excel)

Dishwashers

The EPA estimates that an Energy Star qualified commercial dishwasher can save approximately 90 Mbtus of energy; 52,000 gallons of water; and $1,050 in energy and water utility costs on an annual basis.

Dishwasher Qualified Model List (Excel)

Fryers

Fryers that have earned the Energy Star are up to 15% more energy-efficient than standard models. Energy Star qualified fryers include both gas and electric open-deep fat models. The EPA estimates that Energy Star qualified gas fryers can save businesses 50 MBtu annually, or an average of $600 per year on gas utility bills. Each Energy Star qualified electric fryer can save 930 kWh annually, or an average of $80 per year on electric bills.

Fryers Qualified Model List (Excel)

Hot Food Holding Cabinets

Hot food holding cabinets that have earned the Energy Star are 60% more energy-efficient than standard models. The EPA estimates that each Energy Star qualified hot food holding cabinet can save businesses 4,950 kWh annually for an average of $430 savings per year on utility bills.

Holding Cabinets Qualified Model List (Excel)

Ice Machines

Commercial ice machines that have earned the Energy Star are on average 15% more energy-efficient and 10% more water-efficient than standard models. The EPA estimates that each Energy Star qualified commercial ice machine can save businesses about 1160 kWh of electricity and 2700 gallons of water annually for an average of $110 savings per year on utility bills.

Ice Machines Qualified Model List (Excel)

Solid Door Refrigerators and Freezers

Compared to standard models, the EPA estimates that Energy Star labeled commercial solid door refrigerators and freezers can lead to energy savings of as much as 35% for an expected savings of $170 annually per refrigerator and $120 per freezer.

Refrigerators and Freezers Qualified Model List (Excel)

Commercial Steam Cookers

Compared to standard models, the EPA estimates that each Energy Star qualified electric steam cooker can save businesses 6,270 kWh annually, or an average of $550 per year on utility bills. Each Energy Star qualified gas steam cooker can save 45 MBtu annually, or an average of $550 per year on utility bills. Energy Star qualified steam cookers also save 90% or more water when compared with standard steam cooker models (on average 2 gallons of water per hour for Energy Star qualified steam cookers versus 25 to 35 gallons per hour for standard models).

Steam Cookers Qualified Model List (Excel)

Vending Machines

The EPA estimates that Energy Star qualified new and rebuilt refrigerated beverage vending machines can save building and business owners more than 1,700 kWh per year, or $150 annually on utility bills.

Vending Machines Qualified Model List (Excel)

COMMERCIAL HEATING & COOLIING PRODUCTS

The EPA says that space cooling accounts for roughly 15% of electricity used in commercial buildings, which is second only to lighting. Energy Star qualified light commercial HVAC equipment uses 7–10% less energy than standard equipment. These products can save your business approximately $3–4 per square foot over the life of the equipment. For example, a 12,000 square foot building using an Energy Star qualified HVAC product, could save $36,000 to $48,000.

Commercial Heating and Cooling Savings Calculators (Excel)

Air Conditioners and Air-Source Heat Pumps Qualified Model List (Excel)