June 2017 Newsletter

SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY WITH SEDAC

SEDAC services commissioning agent
SEDAC is continuing services to public sector clients. Apply now for SEDAC services and programs available June 1-December 31, 2017.
  • Quick advice at 800.214.7954 or info@sedac.org
  • Energy Assessments
  • Follow up implementation assistance
  • Retro-commissioning
  • New Construction assistance
  • HVAC Optimization (ComEd)
Newsletter changes
The SEDAC newsletter returns!  Established in 2005 and distributed as the Illinois Energy Now newsletter since October 2014, the SEDAC newsletter resumes distribution under the SEDAC name.  Our newsletter will continue to provide program information, event announcements, articles on energy efficiency strategies, and more. Check out our new feature, SEDAC Quick Tips, where you can find brief advice on how to save energy and money. 

New SEDAC website
We are pleased to announce that we've redesigned and updated our website to better serve our clients and community. Explore the all new  sedac.org! The website still contains information about services, events, programs, and resources to help you save energy and money, and is redesigned for easier navigation. Watch for another e-blast with more details on the new website.   

PUBLIC SECTOR PROGRAM UPDATES
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) closed their Illinois Energy Now energy efficiency program on May 31, 2017. As of June 1, 2017, utilities will begin administering public sector energy efficiency services and incentive programs.  

Call SEDAC or your utility to get the most up-to-date information on available public sector incentives. 

Ameren Illinois
In order to help facilitate a smooth transition to their energy efficiency programs, Ameren Illinois has put together a webpage with specific information and resources for public sector customers.  The webpage provides incentive information, a recorded program overview webinar, incentive bonus details and helpful resources.  Customers can access the webpage at http://amerenillinoissavings.com/for-my-business/public-sector. 
 
Ameren Illinois non-residential customers are invited to attend the 2017 Ameren Illinois Business Symposium. Learn about the latest energy-savings technologies, connect with trusted energy professionals, and gain additional financial incentives to move your next project forward. It will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield, IL. To learn more, visit  amerenillinoissavings.com/for-my-business/business-symposium .

For more information, contact Ameren Illinois at IllinoisBusinessEE@ameren.com.

ComEd
Join the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program team on June 8 or June 14 for a webinar presented by ComEd Senior Energy Efficiency Program Manager Ashley Harrington.

You will learn:
* Background on the new legislation and how it impacts you
* Available programs and incentives from ComEd
* Program requirements and eligibility
* Important project completion deadlines

Register Now:

The webinars are designed for customers and trade allies. Visit ComEd.com/PSEE for more information on the energy efficiency programs. Email ComEdPSEE@ComEd.com or call 855-433-2700 if you have any questions. 


SEDAC QUICK TIPS
 
HVAC systemSummer energy savings
High energy costs and comfort challenges often accompany the warm weather and humidity of Illinois summers. Here are some ideas to keep energy costs down and your building comfortable.
  1. Thermostat set back and equipment scheduling. Program your thermostats to set back by at least 6°F during unoccupied periods. Schedule HVAC equipment, fans, and pumps to shut down or operate at reduced capacity during unoccupied periods.
  2. Cooling equipment tune up. Periodic maintenance of cooling equipment will prolong its life and keep it operating at peak efficiency. Check cooling equipment, clean and service cooling towers, clean air side evaporator coils and condenser coils, and check refrigerant charges. 
  3. Reduce reheat loads. If you have unusually high natural gas bills during summer, you might have reheat coils that are compensating for over-cooling. HVAC system tuning and retro-commissioning can help correct possible causes of reheating.
  4. Chilled water temperature reset.  If you use a chiller for space cooling, install or enable chilled water temperature reset controls for automatic adjustment of chilled water settings depending on conditions. This will save energy and reduce wear on the chiller.
  5. Variable frequency drives. VFD motor controls are a great way to modulate your HVAC systems according to changing weather and occupancy conditions and increase the life of your motor. Install VFDs on motors for supply/return fans, exhaust fans, cooling tower fans, chilled water/hot water pumps, and condensing cooling water pumps.  
  6. Energy efficient outdoor lighting. Take advantage of the good weather to complete your energy efficient upgrade projects for outdoor lighting systems.
  7. Contact SEDAC. Call 800.214.7954 or email info@sedac.org for recommendations specific to your buildings. Maybe we'll recommend energy efficiency incentives, a SEDAC Energy Assessment, a SEDAC Retro-Commissioning (RCx) project, or a SEDAC New Construction project.
HVAC ductwork
Research has shown that in commercial buildings, between 10-20% of total air provided by the supply fan is lost to leaky ducts, which can add 4-9% in heating and cooling energy consumption. Sealing HVAC duct systems saves cooling, heating, and fan energy and can lead to a more comfortable and healthy building environment. Read more about HVAC Ductwork and other cost-saving strategies in our Tech Notes . 


sedac.org / 800.214.7954 / info@sedac.org
Providing effective energy strategies for buildings and communities