Radon is a natural occurring by-product of decaying uranium within the earth. All buildings have some level of radon gas. The EPA reports that Radon is a cause of lung cancer. Contact a reputable inspection company that utilizes an EPA recommended procedure to collect and analyze the radon gas level in your building.For radon remediation where tests showed positive results for high radon levels, simple and inexpensive remediation solutions are available through reputable inspection companies.
Cooling Coils
Heating Coils
Air Handlers
When purchasing an air handler- looking into one with variable speeds can be a lot more efficient. Air conditioners with air handlers that don’t have variable speed option are always working at full blast- something which is not always necessary in the home. The speed options not only help save energy and electricity- but can also cut down on the noise production in the home. The variable speed air handler also keep the home at a more consistent temperature compared to other air handlers, promoting optimal comfort.
Air Filters
Use high efficiency filters that can handle large loads to save in replacement labor and filter change cost. Replacement of dirty filters is important in preventing filter collapse and restricted air flow. This will help maintain proper ventilation.
Humidification Devices
Humidity effects how warm you feel. Low humidity in the winter causes people to turn the heat up to achieve warmth. Increase the humidity to achieve warmth without turning up the heat. This will cost less than increasing the temperature. A good rule of thumb in cold weather is 50% humidity.
Hot Water Heater
Look for the new high efficiency water heaters, or use the on-the-spot water heaters to reduce energy costs. Lowering your water temperature helps save money, but can cut down on hot water supply. Finding the right balance is important.
Geothermal Heat Pump
Geothermal technologies are the most earth friendly of the renewable, sustainable programs and can yield 45% more energy than other green programs. State, federal, and possible rebates from DTE can help bring geothermal technologies into an affordable range.
Solar Thermal
Solar water heaters can be attached to the roof of a building. There are two options for the solar collectors with these systems- flat plates (30% efficiency) or evacuated tubes (40% efficiency). An indirect method should be used when there is a chance at cooler temperatures and freezing water becomes a concern- this involves a closed loop system with an intermediary fluid to help with the heat exchange. With no risk of freezing- the direct method where water is circulated and heated directly should be used.
Energy Efficient Valves
The correct valve in your piping systems can reduce pressure drop and allow for better operation.
Piping
Piping may not be considered “Green”; however the proper selection of piping, particularly in terms of size, can minimize energy loss and system problems associated with unnecessary pressure drop. Life cycle cost should be a factor when making decisions on piping material and sizing.
Automated Controls
Setting the automated controls to automatic mode will help reduce costs and offset the purchase cost of the controls.Check to make sure the control loops are functioning correctly to reduce costs and facilitate operations. Many times the loops are shut off.
Building/Energy Management System (BMS)
The benefits of a good building management system are seemingly endless. Because better control of internal comfort conditions, staff productivity usually increases while HVAC related complaints decrease. Buildings with these management systems usually have a higher renting value and have a higher flexibility in terms for usage. Also more time and money is saved- especially when it comes to maintenance and early detection of problems.
Ductwork/Indoor Air Quality
Having the ducts cleaned on a regular basis will reduce air flow resistance thereby providing better ventilation. Clean ducts also reduce transport of dirt, resulting in optimum indoor air quality.
Onsite Waste Water Treatment
There are many different kinds of onsite waste water treatment depending on your industry’s needs and regulations. A good replacement for septic systems, since failed septic tanks are a large source of ground water pollution, is an aerobic waste water treatment solution. While more expensive than a septic system, it provides a better level of treatment and can reduce the ammonia levels discharged into the water. There are two kinds of onsite aerobic waste water treatment- suspended growth and fixed film. In suspended growth, the microorganisms which breakdown the waste are suspended in the water flow while in fixed film they are attached to an immobile instrument.
Hydraulics
Somewhere between 70-80% of all hydraulic fluids escape their systems through leaks and spills which can be incredibly damaging to the environment. Switching to new environmentally friendly biodegradable and non-toxic fluids can be a great help when it comes to this problem. Four green alternatives to petroleum in terms of hydraulic fluids are:
• HETG — hydraulic environmental triglyceride (water insoluble triglycerides),
• HEES — hydraulic environmental ester synthetic (water insoluble synthetic ester),
• HEPG — hydraulic environmental poly glycol (water soluble poly alkylene glycol [PAG]), and
• HEPR — hydraulic environmental polyalphaolefin and related fluids (water insoluble poly alpha olefins [PAO] and related hydrocarbon-based fluids).
Pumping Systems
Pumps are nationally the largest user of electricity. Aside from maintenance concerns, a poor performing pump gives very little indication of problems. Often times there are multiple pumps running unnecessarily, creating over- pressure and additional hp. Piping sizes also affect pump performance and should be taken into consideration when making system decisions.
