
Energy Conservation Checklist
When cooling, each degree the temperature is raised
reduces electrical consumption by 5%. When heating, each
degree lowered reduces consumption by 3%.
Fluorescent bulbs are about four times more energy efficient
indoors than standard incandescent bulbs.
Substitute a 100-watt incandescent bulb for two 60-watt
bulbs and save 12% energy with no loss of light.
Operate a dehumidifier in the summer. Dry air can be
tolerated at higher temperatures than humid air.
Operating a humidifier in winter will allow colder air to feel
more comfortable.
Before closing for the night, close exhaust systems and
precool (in summer) or preheat (in winter).
Install awnings over windows that get direct sunlight.
In the Kitchen
Central HVAC systems are 10-15% more efficient than
separate heating and cooling systems and allow
incorporation of new energy efficient equipment.
Remember that water and other water-based liquids boil at
212°F. Turning the flame higher does not cook food faster,
it only uses more energy.
Cover dishes with lids to retain heated air in pots and
decrease cooking time.
Monitor preheat times with thermostats and timers.
When possible, use infrared broilers which can be turned off
when not in use and quickly reheated, rather than idling less
efficient equipment.
Turn off exhaust fan when not required. This saves the
energy needed to run the fan and eases the load on the
heating/cooling system because you are exhausting less air
from the room.
Don’t load fryer baskets beyond their stated capacity,
normally
1
/2 to
2
/3 full. Crowded food takes longer to cook.
Higher temperatures do not preheat ovens any faster than
moderate temperatures.
Use high energy-demand equipment sequentially rather than
simultaneously, if possible.
Hot water boosters should be within five feet of a dishwasher
to avoid heat loss in the pipes.
In gas-fired units, adjust the flame to blue with a firm center
core. A yellow tip indicates gas is escaping.
Flush water heaters every six months to prevent
accumulation of solids that prevent heat transfer.
Cook at lowest possible temperatures. Slow cooking retards
meat shrinkage, retains nutrients and color, and cuts
energy usage.
Maintain steamtables at temperatures that allow food to
warm without forming clouds of steam. Clouds indicate
unnecessary high temperatures.
Every few months have a qualified service representative
calibrate oven thermostats with a thermocouple.
In convection ovens, clean the fan blades. Accumulated dirt
restricts the amount of air delivered.
Keep microwave oven interior surfaces free of food particles
that inhibit oven performance.
Start the day’s baking with foods that require the lowest oven
temperature.
Filter cooking fat. Built up sediment reduces cooking
efficiency.
Place frequently used items in the front of refrigerators to
reduce the time that the doors are open.
In high ceiling rooms, replace the ceiling lighting with
hanging lamps to bring light closer.
Use direct, cold outside air for kitchen cooling.
ENERGY STAR qualified equipment can be
an answer to mounting energy bills.
Purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified commercial food
service equipment as a package for new kitchen
construction or as a replacement for aging equipment, can
save significant amounts of money and energy on food
service operators’ electric, gas, water and sewer bills.
Commercial foodservice products in six categories may
earn the ENERGY STAR: fryers, hot food holding cabinets,
commercial refrigerators and freezers, and commercial
steam cookers, commercial dishwashers, commercial ice
makers. Qualified products can save up to as much as 50
percent over their conventional counterparts.
ENERGY STAR helps restaurant owners and operators
improve the performance of their facilities and equipment
while reducing energy costs. Restaurants that invest
strategically can cut utility costs 10 to 30 percent without
sacrificing service, quality, style or comfort—while making
significant contributions to a cleaner environment.
In 2008, ENERGY STAR qualified equipment helped save
consumers over $16 billion on their utility bills. By
choosing to purchase ENERGY STAR qualified equipment,
businesses can save up to $15,000 annually in their
commercial kitchen. In fact, if every commercial refrigerator
and freezer in the U.S. was exchanged for an ENERGY
STAR qualified model, the savings from those units alone
would be around $250 million per year. Those are numbers
that one cannot afford to ignore.
Save Energy, Save Money
23
Visit www.energystar.gov for more information.
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