Using Technology to Lower your Energy Bills

 
 
 
 
Introduction
Technology to the rescue
Go green and save $$$
Resources

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

A "green" solution to an old problem!


Remember days gone by when gasoline was affordable and you could fill your car's tank for $20? It would be less than honest to say those days will be returning any time soon. The cold reality is that ever rising crude oil costs and unmanaged inflation have practically guaranteed the extinction of cheap fuel.  

Unfortunately, higher fuel costs impact our daily lives in ways we may not have considered. Everything from groceries to parcel delivery services is affected. This means that we are yet again faced with the age-old challenge of finding new ways of coping with high prices on a limited budget.

If you run a company that directly or indirectly depends on fuel consumption the issue is especially critical. For some, the very life of your business could be at stake. The bottom line is simple - an increase in fuel costs translates to higher frustration and lower profit margins for your business.
 
The problem is of particular concern for those who manage temperature controlled spaces including hotels, schools, hospitals, condominiums, apartments, warehouses, shopping centers, and the like.  Although each venue is unique, there is one common expenditure - heating and cooling costs.  Realizing the necessity to provide a positive comfort experience for patrons, business owners spend thousands of dollars each year on energy alone.  Many have resigned themselves to the assumption that little that can be done to achieve lower utility bills without sacrificing comfort.  


The bottom line is simple - an increase in fuel costs translates to higher frustration and lower profit margins for your business.

Technology to the rescue 

The world of technology has opened some interesting solutions to the problem. One such solution is the HVAC Smart Relay Switch (HSRS) by Kadtronix. The HSRS lowers your energy bills by eliminating wasted power consumption. It automatically interrupts your existing HVAC system in the event of a violation such as a door or window that has remained open for a period of time or a room that has been vacant. The HSRS is a fully configurable device that provides energy efficient control for heating and cooling systems.  In addition, the device can be used as a general purpose controller for equipment including dampers, fans, etc. Targeted specifically for commercial use, the HSRS is ideal in these venues:
  • Hotels & motels
  • Hospitals
  • Condominiums
  • Office complexes
  • Shopping centers
  • Apartments
  • Schools & Universities
  • Warehouses
The HSRS contains onboard configuration switches, allowing you to establish specific operational parameters. For instance, configure the device to temporarily disable the air conditioning or heating system when any door or window has remained open for 10 minutes or more and then re-enable when the door has closed or after a preset time delay period.


The HSRS lowers your energy bills by eliminating wasted power consumption.


The HSRS accepts one or more contact switch inputs such as door/window sensors, motion detectors, etc. It also features optional wireless capability for installations where wire runs may be costly or inconvenient.
HSRS Control for PTAC, heater, damper, etc.

PTAC application

Go green and save $$$

While the HSRS has the versatility to be applied in a number of unqiue venues, it yields some especially interesting possibilities for owners and operators of hotels, condominiums, and the like. They are ideal candidates for implementing "green" programs to stimulate environmental awareness and save money at the same time. One example is the idea of "eco-sage" rooms.  Rooms with this designation have HVAC systems that are specially equipped with devices such as the HSRS. 


Hotel and condominium managers should consider implementing "eco-sage" rooms.


When a patron or tenant elects to reside in an eco-sage room, he is agreeing to submit to HSRS controlled air conditioning and heating. The concept is somewhat similar to load management programs offered by utility companies whereby selected consumer applicances can be temporarily shut off during peak energy usage. 

Likewise, the HVAC system in an eco-sage room with HSRS monitoring will be automatically disabled in the event of a violation such as extended room vacancy or a window that has remained open for a preset time period. The system will be re-enabled when the violation has cleared. Eco-sage shifts energy management directly into the hands of the building owner, landlord, or manager.


The HVAC system in an eco-sage room will be automatically disabled in the event of a violation such as extended room vacancy or a window that has remained open for a preset time period.


As an incentive for participation, the patron receives a monetary discount or credit on his room rate or monthly rent. This type of program stimulates environmental awareness and saves money for the building owner at the same time. In fact, even greater savings can be realized by expanding the eco-sage program from selected rooms to entire floors.



In a time of heightened economic and environmental awareness, it only makes sense to find new ways of reducing power consumption and thereby lowering your energy bills. By implementing conservation minded programs that invite patron particpation, everyone wins.

Resources