Tips for Saving Energy

Avoid turning on kitchen equipment earlier than necessary. Preheat units only for the minimum amount of time needed to reach the correct temperature.
Avoid unnecessary deliveries or supply trips. Coordinate and consolidate supply trips and deliveries between departments.
Consider changing to more efficient or lower cost fuels if burners have dual fuel capability.
Check and adjust automatic door closers for proper operation.
Check and repair door gaskets on ovens, refrigerators and other equipment.
Check and repair the seals and weather stripping around all doors and windows. Add weather stripping if appropriate.
Check automated building controls for proper settings and operation.
Check the location of thermostats. Relocate if they are in a place subjected to excessive solar heat or in a place that is normally warmer or cooler than the rest of the building.
Check water heaters for proper temperature and operation.
Conduct a risk analysis and consider reducing the time outside lights are operating. Install timers or photo sensors if needed. Be sure to adjust for the change to/from daylight savings time. Coordinate with local police.
Consolidate storage in freezers and refrigerators where possible. Turn off any unused units. If refrigerators or freezers have an "efficiency" setting, make sure it is on.
Encourage car pooling by staff and students. Develop incentives such as preferred parking and/or reduced parking fees for car poolers.
Encourage students and staff to identify energy saving measures. Give an award to the class whose idea saves the most energy.
Ensure that all air filters have been changed according to the maintenance schedule.
Ensure that all district owned vehicles and other motorized equipment is properly serviced and running efficiently.
Ensure that all intake and exhaust grilles, air diffusers, etc. are clear of obstructions.
Ensure that all kitchen equipment, both hot and cold, is properly calibrated for temperature and operates properly.
Ensure that dishwashers are full before they are operated.
Ensure that recommended room temperatures and light levels are maintained.
Evaluate after hours use of school buildings, particularly kitchen areas. Consider charging a fee if not currently doing so.
Implement an anti-idling policy for school buses.
Install occupancy sensor light switches.
Recheck all fossil fuel burners to ensure that they are operating in the most efficient manner possible.
Replace incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs).
Stagger the start-up times of electrical equipment to minimize the peak surge.
Turn off computers and monitors when not in use.
Turn off lights when rooms are not in use.

New Hampshire Department of Education
101 Pleasant Street | Concord, NH | 03301-3494
Telephone: (603) 271-3494 | TDD Access: Relay NH 711