Skip To Main Content

FAQ

No. Energy conservation will still be our priority and having solar does not change that.  The solar project is sized based on usage.  If our usage increases to more than what we sized the system for, we could end up paying more for energy through the solar production and to the utility company for electricity from the grid.  This would yield higher payments than not having solar.

Our experience has been that many thermostats are not being operated correctly.  While there are several different types of thermostats - some with dials, some with push buttons or arrows - you can adjust 4 degrees up or down.  

Example:  When you enter your classroom on a cold morning and turn the heat up on the thermostat, it also makes the cooling setpoint higher. Therefore, when it gets warm in the afternoon, your classroom won't be as comfortable unless you turn the thermostat down again.

First contact the site custodian.  They are aware of the energy program as well as how the thermostat and HVAC should operate.  Usually, they can tell if there is a problem.  If there is a problem they can generate a work order so the issue can be resolved.  If there does not seem to be a mechanical issue, then Kelly or I can place a logger in the room to determine exact temperature.  If it is out of the district parameters, then the appropriate adjustment will be made.  However, if it is within the district parameters, no changes will be made. 

YES!  Collectively and over time it is worth turning off and unplugging every time something is not being used.  Vampire energy alone (energy being sucked from the grid even when the appliance is not being used) accounts for $3 billion per year just in the U.S.

 Example:  A typical classroom could have the following items: radio ($2.40 annually), computer monitor ($4.10 each, annually), computer ($56.00 each, annually), dvd player or vcd ($17.00 annually).  In this scenario (not including microwaves, coffee makers, personal refrigerators, etc...) you could save approximately $80.00 just by unplugging items when not in use. With a conservative estimate of 1,500 classrooms, eliminating vampire energy would equate to about $120,000.00.  Consider that many classrooms have multiple computers and other various appliances, add in computer labs and offices, then add items in hallways and work areas, you could estimate that our district can save in excess of $250,000 just by unplugging at the end of the day!