Best Utility Management Practices

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Best Utility Management Practices For Teachers
HELP DEVELOP GOOD ENERGY HABITS IN STUDENTS.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE. TURN OFF LIGHTS WHEN NOT
NEEDED. Lighting accounts for as much as 40 of
a schools energy use. Please use only the lights
needed for the task. Utilize daylight whenever
possible. The last one to leave should turn off
lights in classrooms, offices, workrooms, storage
areas, lounges, etc. even if those lights will be
off for only a few minutes. Note It is a
common misconception that it costs less to leave
fluorescent lights on when leaving for a short
period of time. Although there is a very brief
surge of energy used when fluorescent lights are
turned back on, it is insignificant. In fact, if
lights are off for only one second, energy is
saved. TURN OFF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND
APPLIANCES WHEN NOT IN USE. Please activate the
sleep/hibernate mode on your computer. All
computers (except servers) should be turned
completely off at the end of the day. Computer
monitors should be treated like a TV and always
turned off when not in use. Screen savers do not
save energy. Shutting down the monitor actually
protects your screen better than a screen saver.
Radios, coffee pots, audiovisual equipment, etc.
are often left on unnecessarily. Please turn
them off promptly. ELECTRIC APPLIANCES THAT
PRODUCE OR REMOVE HEAT ARE BIG ENERGY CONSUMERS.
Portable heaters are strongly discouraged. If
your room has a comfort problem, report it.
Maintenance staff will respond and possibly
eliminate the need for a space heater.
Refrigerators also consume lots of energy. If
you must have a refrigerator, please
remember They operate most efficiently when
full. It takes more energy to keep air cold than
it does to keep food cold. If necessary, keep
containers of water in the refrigerator. Locate
the refrigerator away from heat sources and
direct sunlight. Set the temperature no higher
than medium. Defrost freezer compartment
regularly. If you have a frost-free model, keep
all liquids tightly covered. Check seal around
the door. If you close a dollar bill in the door
and can easily pull it out, the seal is not
good. Make sure the condenser coils (on back or
underneath) are kept clean. DO NOT TAMPER WITH
HEATING/COOLING CONTROLS. Report comfort
problems to the appropriate person. CLOSE
BLINDS, SHADES, CURTAINS AND SHUTTERS AT THE END
OF EACH DAY. REPORT LEAKY FAUCETS AND RUNNING
TOILETS. BE ALERT FOR ENERGY SAVING
OPPORTUNITES. PROVIDE SUGGESTIONS TO
ADMINISTRATORS OR MAINTENANCE STAFF.