Schools are a prime example of the benefits of energy efficiency. They are among the country’s largest energy consumers, and as such, they need to make every effort to keep costs down. Members of your school’s governing body who are in charge of finding ways to reduce energy consumption may consider an energy audit as a first step.
The second step is to ensure that you are implementing all the changes you can make, such as installing LED lights or turning off lights when they are not needed. The third step is to look for opportunities for partnerships with others who can help you with your efforts, like local businesses or utilities.
The most energy-consuming appliances in schools are the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This is because they are constantly running to regulate the temperature in the building. Follow along as we delve deeper into some of the highest energy-consuming appliances and what steps can be taken to save on energy usage.
What Are the Highest Energy-Using Appliances in Schools?
HVAC systems and aircons are the largest consumers of energy in educational facilities. Additional measures can be taken to help control energy usage. We’ve included some ideas in this regard:
Controlling heating energy usage
The heating system has the highest consumption in schools. It is used every day during the colder months. It is necessary to keep students and teachers warm during the winter. The heating system can be controlled by the temperature in the room.
Keep ventilation energy usage in check at schools
With the summer months approaching and heat waves on the horizon, schools are looking for ways to stay cool. One way to do so is by installing ventilation systems with a high-efficiency rating. These units provide fresh air while reducing energy usage and improving indoor air quality.
Control your school’s air conditioner energy usage
The summers are getting hotter, and schools are doing their best to keep students cool. But have you ever noticed that your school’s AC is always high? This can cost your district a lot of money!
There are a few simple ways to reduce your electricity bill when using your air conditioner!
1. Keep the temperature the same
Improper use of air conditioners will actually increase power consumption. If not needed, do not set the air conditioner to 16 degrees because it uses more power and may make you uncomfortable. Set the air conditioner around 23–25 degrees for optimal cooling and energy savings!
2. Filter routinely
Air conditioner filters matter. If it is not cleaned for an extended period, it will emit odours. Still, it will also consume more power, which is why it is usually recommended to clean the filter once a week, especially for high-usage air conditioner users.
3. AC frequency-switch
If you regularly turn on and off your air conditioner, your electricity bill will suffer. Switching frequently uses more power. Even if you are leaving the room for a short time, leave the air conditioner on if you’re returning later.
4. Inverter AC
Inverter air conditioners save more energy than regular air conditioners (non-inverters). To save power, an inverter air conditioner’s compressor works at a constant speed after attaining the predetermined room temperature. We suggest switching to an inverter air conditioner that features four powerful motors.
Additional steps to reduce the cost of these high-energy consumption appliances include calculating the cost of energy usage at school.
How Would You Calculate the Energy Costs of a School?
To calculate the energy costs for a school in the UK, you first have to find out what the school’s annual electricity consumption is. The easiest way to find this information would be by looking at the school’s profit and loss statement. From there, you can calculate how much it would cost to run their lights and appliances for a year.
The next step is to multiply that number by the price of electricity per kWh. This will give you the total amount of money they spend on electricity each year.
Finally, divide this number by 1000 and multiply it by 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, which will give you your answer.
Final Thoughts
Considering the use of energy-efficient appliances is a wise investment for schools for many reasons:
- It will save the school money in the long run.
- Because of the environment-friendly benefits.
- It offers numerous health benefits.
Finally, it would be wise to find alternative ways to deal with energy-intensive appliances in schools. You may want to consider the following:
- What are the problems with these appliances?
- How can we reduce their impact on the environment?
- What solutions can you implement at your school?
Add Your Comment