With rising energy usages and costs – and also an acute awareness with the impact on the environment, it is more crucial than ever for small businesses to consider and implement energy saving services, such as power network analysis and energy audits. In this post we’ll outline what Irish businesses can do to reduce costs and energy consumption.
Power Network Analysis
In the effort to increase efficiency and lower energy costs, services for power network analysis are incredibly beneficial to maintaining and monitoring the performance of electrical systems in businesses and residential spaces. This service is carried out by registered electricians or electrical engineers and contractors, who have the training and knowledge to safely operate a power network analyser (PNA, also called a power quality analyser or energy logger for power quality audits). The PNA is a specialised device used to monitor, measure and diagnose electrical systems, and is essential to improving energy usage in residences, businesses, and industrial/commercial spaces.
PNA Services
PNA Services will begin by measuring the overall electrical parameters of the system, such as its energy consumption, voltage, power factor, frequency and power (active, reactive and apparent). This will inform how the electrician or engineer will be able to identify sources or equipment that are using excessive power or creating phantom loads (such as devices using power when idle), locating overloaded or underloaded circuits, and any other inefficiencies. These readings will note any issues with poor power factor in the system that lead to increased energy costs, so that the client can monitor or replace elements in the system or devices to reduce energy consumption and costs in the short and long-term.
Energy Saving with Power Network Analysis
Other power quality issues such as unbalanced loads, spikes, power fluctuations, harmonics or voltage dips and surges, that can cause increased energy costs and usage and also damage equipment or reduce the overall integrity/lifespan of electrical systems, are identified during PNA services. By using the data collected from the PNA, the service will be able to assist businesses with their energy saving practices and save on energy costs, especially when carried out at regular intervals.
How Often Is PNA Needed?
These services are recommended for ongoing monitoring of power usage and consumption levels:
- Annually for businesses or smaller commercial spaces
- Every 1-3 years for schools, hospitals and public buildings
- 2-5 years for residential spaces, and for larger commercial or industrial facilities
Testing may be required more than once a year depending on the size and complexity of the system and devices. Likewise, the service is recommended for any new builds or when new devices or systems are being installed. The PAT Group will be able to not only provide all services, but can also advise on annual plans or service intervals, such as scheduled annual PAT testing to meet the needs of clients and their systems.
Every Day Energy Saving Advice
However, there are a few every day and simple things that can be done by everyone at home or in their business to start saving on energy costs and becoming more efficient. Practical and effective changes to lighting, such as switching to energy-efficient and long lasting LED bulbs or using more natural light, heating systems (for example reducing a thermostat 1°C can bring cost savings of up to 10%), washing clothes at lower temperatures of 30°, unplugging chargers and devices when not in use and upgrading to newer energy efficient appliances, can easily lower energy consumption and bring cost savings. It’s never too late to start conserving energy to help conserve the environment!
Schedule Power Network Analysis
Take control of your energy consumption by understanding where energy isn’t being used efficiently with a Power Network Analysis. To find out more about Power Network Analysis for your business, give us a call now on 01-9602636 or contact us online for more info.
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