Energy Efficiency There’s no question that Americans are hooked on practices that use a flabbergasting amount of energy every day. In fact, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), electricity accounted for 41% of household end-use energy consumption in 2019, while natural gas represented 44%, followed by liquefied petroleum gas, mostly propane. Space heating and air conditioning account for about 51% of annual seasonal household energy consumption, while water heating, lighting and refrigeration represent about 27% of total home energy use, and the remainder is used for things such as televisions, cooking appliances, washers and dryer, and electronics like computers, tablets, smartphones, video-game consoles, and internet streaming devices. When it comes to commercial buildings—including offices, hospitals, food establishments, schools, police stations, churches, warehouses, hotels, and shopping malls—electricity and natural gas are the most common energy sources. Different commercial activities have unique energy needs but, as a whole, space heating accounts for about
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Strictly Business DECEMBER 2020
25% of total energy use in commercial buildings, the EIA reports. Of commercial buildings, mercantile and service buildings use the most total energy. District energy services generally use fossil fuels, including coal, natural gas, or fuel oil, while some use renewable sources of energy like biomass, geothermal, solar, and wind energy. Be it commercial or residential energy use, it’s important to educate ourselves about ways to save energy. Science is continuously delivering new technologies to professionals who can help make a difference, and we talked to some local experts to identify some of the tools at their disposal to improve energy efficiency. Improving Your Perspective An effective way to get a view of a commercial building’s energy efficiency is by getting up above them and using thermal imaging to identify weaknesses. Mirage Aerial Imaging does just that, providing baseline and post-damage structural assessments of commercial buildings—all via their from-the-sky view but controlled from the ground. Aerial thermal assessments improve energy efficiency in commercial buildings because they identify water infiltration beneath the surface of the roof. This is helpful because wet insulation is an energy drain. “It is advised for the health of any low slope or flat commercial roof that you have a regular maintenance schedule consisting of visual inspections, cleanings, and regular Certified Roof Inspector visits,” said Tom vonAhlefeld, who owns the company with his wife, Sara. “An aerial thermal image provided by Mirage Aerial Imaging can assist in the inspection process by directing inspectors and building managers toward areas of potential water infiltration.” T h e r m a l s c a n s s h ow t e m p e r a t u r e Tom vonAhlefeld differentiations and, if water potentially Mirage Aerial Imaging infiltrated a roof’s outer membrane, the underlying insulation would be wet. Wet insulation holds heat from the sun longer than dry insulation, allowing the thermal camera to “see” a temperature difference. “The entire roof can be seen on one image and compared to a highresolution photograph,” Tom said. “This helps increase safety, because there is no need for an inspector to take hours to walk the entire roof. A thermal scan allows for inspection of targeted areas on the roof but is controlled by people from the ground. We can also detect and confirm leaks early, decreasing overall maintenance costs due to unidentified leaks. Thermal imaging also potentially allows for targeted roof repair rather than replacement, and decreases energy costs.” Streamline Your Way to Savings The Streamline Energy Solutions team of energy-efficiency specialists operates with the goal of saving energy—and saving you money. They pride themselves on being a one-stop shop for all of your home energy-efficiency needs, providing various insulation and weatherization #PrintProudDigitalSmart
