3 easy ways to save money at your dealership

Tackling the three biggest energy users can help you start saving at your auto dealership today. Here are three low-risk, high-reward projects that will get you off and running. 

LEDs use a fraction of the energy, last years longer, and provide bright, even illumination for a more professional appearance. Yet, many Vermont businesses are still using outdated lighting technology that wastes money.

• Replace bulbs with efficient LEDs
  One low-cost fix for outdated lighting is to change out inefficient bulbs for LED bulbs, while keeping the fixture as-is. There are screw-based replacements for just about every type of inefficient lighting, and tube lighting replacements as well.
• Boost security with controls
  You decide what time the outdoor lights come on and off each day. Or, use sensors that turn your lights on when someone approaches, and off again when they are gone. Get your lighting under your control with automated sensors and timers.
• Upgrade to new LED fixtures
  You'll be rewarded with lower bills and a cleaner appearance. Upgrade parking lights, porch lights, pole-mounted fixtures and more. Invest in LED-specific fixtures for the best return on your dollar.

We don't have to tell you that heating and air conditioning costs can be huge. Cut back on fuel and electricity use by eliminating (or at least reducing) these common areas of waste. Or invest in a new, efficient heating or cooling system.

• Keep conditioned air inside
  A lot of Vermont dealerships are letting air they paid to heat or cool slip right through cracks. Weather-stripping doors and windows goes a long way to slow or eliminate leakage. Next, look for anywhere the walls are penetrated – around pipes is a big one – and be sure those holes have been sealed up. Hire a professional to make the upgrades to get greater savings and get cash incentives.
• Upgrade pumps and cut usage in half
  If your dealership uses a circulator pump, switching to a high-performance model can save as much as 80-90%. Newer technology matches output to need, so they provide just the right level of comfort, using no more energy than necessary.
• Clean and tune equipment
  This is a low- or even no-cost way to optimize your current set-up. Make sure heating and cooling equipment is clean and that the settings are current. It can be so easy to forget, but simply checking on things periodically can save quite a bit. Bonus: keeping an eye on your heating and cooling equipment means you'll better understand how well it’s performing, which makes a surprise outage much less likely.

Improving your building’s HVAC control systems boosts your space’s energy efficiency and comfort, while lowering operating costs and providing better control and insights into the system. Services are available for buildings with and without a Building Management System (BMS). Up-front incentives make it easy to get started.

• Start with an assessment
  There are many ways to improve your building’s HVAC system controls, whether you need a tune-up or plan to upgrade your system over time. We recommend getting an assessment of your building’s current conditions. This will help you identify and prioritize your opportunities. We can help you create a path to identify the issues, repairs, and upgrades to your HVAC systems. It’s time to assess your HVAC system controls if your system needs repair, you often see error messages on your Building Management System, or building occupants are complaining about comfort.
• The journey toward maximum efficiency 
  Taking care of basic upgrades allows your HVAC system to run efficiently. Improving your building’s HVAC controls system can be like a journey: you can start with the essential updates and work your way toward maximum efficiency and advanced upgrades over time.