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Author: J & S Electrical Contractors

Ways to Limit Energy Waste

From the lights in your office to powering machines and running a production line—everything involves energy costs. That is why business owners and facility managers are constantly under pressure to improve energy efficiency. Minimizing consumption is one way to significantly reduce your operational expenses. Our experienced industrial and commercial contractors share valuable tips to reduce energy waste.

10 Tips to Help Your Business Consume Less Energy

  1. Install efficient lighting and controls: Design a system that combines natural sources with efficient electrical lighting and automated controls. For instance, installing motion sensors that turn lights on and off based on room occupancy can reduce energy usage considerably.
  2. Pay attention to compressed air systems: Producing compressed air can account for around 40% of your plant’s electricity bills. Reduce pressure when possible. Idling compressors can still consume energy, so turn them off when not in use.  Regular maintenance keeps them at peak efficiency.
  3. Correctly size motors and drives: The right size can reduce your operational costs by as much as 5%. Switch to high-efficiency solutions to optimize savings. Turn them off when not in operation or install auto sensors to control usage.
  4. Improve process controls: Properly calibrated equipment improves efficiency and productivity and can cut energy usage by 10%.
  5. Integrate energy and power management systems: It will help to lower energy usage as well as maintenance costs.
  6. Switch to high-efficiency HVAC models: Replace older HVAC equipment with newer models designed to reduce wasted energy in commercial buildings.
  7. Automate HVAC system controls: Using the latest HVAC automation technology can save you thousands of dollars every month in utility costs. Additionally, it helps you improve indoor comfort, schedule maintenance at the right times and prolong the overall system lifecycle.
  8. Create an energy use plan: Develop staff guidelines for cutting energy waste. This can include simple procedures such as shutting off lights and other energy-consuming devices when they are not in use, using power strips with a single switch to turn off computers and other equipment, and adjusting thermostats to seasonally appropriate temperatures.
  9. Improve the building’s seal: Making your commercial building more airtight to reduce air leaks and other sources of energy loss will result in a more energy-efficient space.
  10. Do an energy audit: This will identify areas of wastage and exactly where improvements need to be made.

Customized Services by Licensed Commercial and Industrial Electricians

Do you want to upgrade to a more efficient lighting system? Planning to expand your facility? Is retro-commissioning on the cards? At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., our industrial and commercial electricians provide customized solutions to meet your unique needs. We evaluate your requirements and offer a plan to minimize energy wastage, outages and costly downtime. Over the years, we have helped hundreds of medical, commercial and industrial firms across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware improve their operational efficiency and energy savings.

Our comprehensive electrical services include machinery design and layout assistance, design and installation of power control systems, safety and security system installs, testing and commissioning, and 24/7 emergency repair services. Count on our experienced electricians for cost-effective solutions to keep your system and business running smoothly.

Call us at 215-633-8330 to learn more about our electrical services. You can also request a quote online for energy efficient electrical upgrades and retrofit design.

The Difference between Residential, Commercial and Industrial Electricians

Electricians are trained to work in different environments, and it is important to hire the right one for your needs. For example, one of the main differences between a residential and commercial or industrial electrician is that the former typically work with single phase power supplies. The latter two work with more complex three phase electrical systems. Each environment has its unique challenges and requires specialized training and skills. Our experienced electrical contractors help you understand the difference and importance of hiring the correct professional for your needs.

Which Electrician to Hire for Your Job

  • Residential Electricians: Specializing in residential 120-240 volts systems, they work with builders during the construction phase as well as do repairs and upgrades in existing homes. They install ceiling fans and light fixtures, appliances and residential security systems. They can also diagnose and fix electrical problems including re-wiring older systems and installing additional outlets.
  • Commercial Electricians: If you are commissioning a new store or need to upgrade the electrical system in your office, a qualified commercial electrician will ensure safe and efficient installation. They are trained to work with complex electrical systems in diverse commercial environments, such as restaurants, offices, hospitals, schools, stores and other public use buildings. In addition to installing and upgrading wiring, they also work with higher voltage electrical systems like generators, large heating and air conditioning units, appliances, special health and safety equipment.
  • Industrial Electricians: Factories, manufacturing units, mining and power supply companies require the services of industrial electricians. While they install, repair and replace wiring, lighting fixtures and typical electrical systems like domestic and commercial electricians, they also have more specialized training in industrial requirements. This includes installation and repair of electrical motors, generators, industrial storage batteries, transformers, regulators and adaptors.

Customized Services by Licensed Commercial and Industrial Electricians

At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., our industrial and commercial electricians are fully licensed and up-to-date on safety codes. Whether it is a new electrical project, relocation or upgrade, our customized solutions are designed to meet your facility’s needs. Over the years, we have helped hundreds of medical, commercial and industrial firms across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware enhance their operational efficiency and savings.

Our comprehensive electrical services include machinery design and layout assistance, design and installation of power control systems, safety and security system installs, testing and commissioning, and 24/7 emergency repair services. You can depend on our experienced electricians to configure a system that will provide you with optimal functionality, reliability and cost-efficiency.

Call us at 215-633-8330 to learn more about our electrical services. You can also request a quote online for energy efficient electrical upgrades and retrofit design.

Tips for Energy Efficient Lighting Retrofit and Design

There are unlimited benefits to upgrading lighting within your business premises, the most important being greater efficiency and lower energy costs. Studies show that overhead lights account for more than 50% of energy usage in commercial spaces. In addition to saving electricity, redesigning lighting to include the latest technology improves illumination quality, safety, productivity and real estate value. Your utility provider may also offer incentives for green retrofits. However, every project is different, so it is important to know what is involved, in order to optimize results. Our experienced commercial electricians offer a step-by-step guide to successful lighting retrofits.

How to Get Your Money’s Worth from Lighting Upgrades

  • Define your goals: Are you looking purely for energy savings? Do you want to improve lighting quality? Eager to reduce the number of ongoing bulb replacements dipping into your maintenance budget? Identifying your needs will help create a proper lighting plan and design.
  • Understand your business needs: For example, high heat in restaurants and damp environments around pools and spas require different types of fixtures and bulbs compared to an office or reception area.
  • Assess your current lighting and energy usage: A lighting audit is a critical step in planning. The findings can help identify your usage, overall requirements and areas for improvement.
  • Understand the pros and cons of using existing fixtures: While it can reduce initial investment and effort, long term operational costs and maintenance could be higher. For instance, your existing ballasts must support LED bulbs.
  • Invest in lighting controls: Creating lighting schedules can reduce your usage by up to 50%. Dimming lights brings another 20 to 30% of energy savings. Having them turned on only when needed will increase the lifespan of your lighting systems in addition to reducing your electricity bills.
  • Hire an experienced commercial electrician: Proper lighting design and installation are important for employee and building safety, and consequently, the financial security of your business.
  • Maintain your lighting system: A maintenance program helps optimize the efficiency and benefits of your investment. Dirt, dust and aging fixtures reduce lighting levels affecting employee productivity and safety as well as increasing your energy costs.

Lighting Retrofit and Design by Licensed Commercial Electricians

The right lighting retrofit and design can yield significant returns. At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., we offer customized solutions to improve your energy efficiency. Over the years, we have helped hundreds of medical, commercial and industrial facilities across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware realize ongoing operational savings. From system design for new facilities to upgrading electrical panels and lighting for an expansion to routine maintenance and repairs, you can count on us for prompt response and cost-efficient services. 

Our comprehensive electrical services include machinery design and layout assistance, design and installation of power control systems, safety and security system installs, testing and commissioning, and 24/7 emergency repair services. You can depend on our licensed and experienced electricians to upgrade your systems efficiently and safely. 

Call us at 215-633-8330 to learn more about our electrical services. You can also request a quote online for energy efficient lighting upgrades and retrofit design.

How Many AMP Electrical Service Do I Need to Operate Effectively?

Need to upgrade the electrical supply at your business premises? Standard panels can provide 100, 150, 200, 325, 400, 600 or 800 amps of power with the potential to add more circuits. Determining how much power you need is essential to operating cost-efficiently and safely. Our experienced electricians share tips on how to go about sizing amp service for your commercial or industrial facility.

5 Key Steps to Upgrading Your Electrical System

  • Calculate your electrical load: This helps ensure your building’s power distribution system is reliable, safe and compliant to code. List out all your electrical equipment (including your HVAC system and building controls), devices (computers, printers, etc.) and appliances (such as the coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, etc.) as well as lighting and building signs.
  • Understand usage: Each business is unique; so, understanding exactly how your facility operates will allow your commercial electrician to design a power distribution system that is appropriate for you. For instance, determining what machines and tools will need to operate simultaneously is a more accurate representation of your power requirements as opposed to simply calculating the total load on a particular circuit.
  • Consider future electrical demands: Are you planning to add more machines or work stations in the coming months or year? Thinking ahead can help you save on future installation costs as well as prevent sudden outages and electrical accidents caused by overloading. Be aware that electrical service size impacts your month-to-month energy costs, so do not go bigger unless you have concrete expansion plans.
  • Check the amp ratings of your current electrical panel: This will determine whether you can simply add more electrical circuits or need a higher capacity panel.
  • Contact a licensed commercial electrician: Upgrading your ampacity is a highly specialized and complex job best left to trained and licensed electrical professionals. In addition to operational efficiency, they can ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) standards for safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment in the United States.

Installation, Repair and Maintenance by Licensed Commercial Electricians

If your business has grown, or you have new equipment, it is possible that you may have outgrown your current commercial panel. Flickering lights, blown fuses and corrosion inside an electrical cabinet are signs you need an upgrade. At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., we offer customized solutions for medical, commercial and industrial facilities across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. From system design for new facilities to upgrading electrical panels and lighting for an expansion to routine maintenance and repairs, we efficiently manage all your needs.

Our comprehensive electrical services include machinery design and layout assistance, design and installation of power control systems, safety and security system installs, testing and commissioning, and 24/7 emergency repair services. Count on us to keep your electrical systems working efficiently and safely.

Call us at 215-633-8330 to learn more about our electrical services. You can also request a quote online for your commercial and industrial projects.

Importance of Properly Gauging Your Electrical Service

Is your electrical service able to support all your industrial equipment and devices? Load calculations are the first step in designing an efficient and safe power distribution system. Every business uses electricity in different ways. For instance, the requirements of industrial shops vary greatly from a commercial kitchen, retail outlet or office building. Knowing how to estimate commercial and industrial loads according to business needs is critical to preventing sudden outages and electrical accidents. Our experienced electricians explain how they go about sizing services for your facility.

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