Low-cost energy efficiency upgrades

A preliminary feasibility assessment (PFA), completed by an energy engineer, is a good, cost-effective first step


For many healthcare facility managers, urgent and pressing matters include maintaining a safe environment for patients, budget constraints or staff retention issues. Energy management is probably a low priority. Yet healthcare facilities are among the most energy-intensive buildings in the United States.

For-profit hospitals, medical offices and nursing homes can raise their earnings per share a penny by reducing energy costs just five percent, according to an article on the FacilityCare website. 

Energy Star recommends a staged approach to energy-efficiency projects. A preliminary feasibility assessment (PFA), completed by an energy engineer, is a good, cost-effective first step, the article said.

After the PFA, low-cost recommendations could include adjustments to thermostats for seasonal changes and occupancy, balancing air and water systems, installing variable frequency drives (VFDs) and energy-efficient motors, implementing advanced control sequences with set-point resets and optimization routines, repairing broken dampers and actuators, replacing malfunctioning temperature control valves, repairing leaky steam traps or educating staff and patients about how their behaviors affect energy use, according to the article.

Read the article.

 

 



July 21, 2014


Topic Area: Energy and Power


Recent Posts

Over 700 Hospitals at Risk of Closure

Hospitals are citing financial problems at the main cause of potential closure.


Astrana Health Fully Acquires Prospect Health

They completed the acquisition of Prospect Health for a total purchase price of $708 million.


Hospitals Recognized for Sustainability, Resilience Achievements

The 496 healthcare organizations have demonstrated leadership in sustainability, environmental stewardship and climate resilience.


Caravel Autism Health Opens New Therapy Clinic in Missouri

The clinic features colorful, sensory-friendly spaces.


On the Lookout: The Software Supply Chain as a Healthcare Cyberattack Vector

Staying watchful of third-party software vendors and their activities is critical for healthcare cybersecurity.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.