Wire in Energy Efficiency
A farm's energy use is more efficient when its electrical system is up to code. Correctly sized wires reduce wasted energy, and fluorescent lighting requires up to 75% less electricity to keep your structures lit. Take advantage of Public Service's energy audit to find out how you can make every facet of your operation more efficient — from milk cooling to lighting. It's a practical and long-term way to reduce your electric bill.
This also may be a great time to consider installing energy-efficient equipment. Following are just a few of the technologies covered under Public Service's Farm Rewiring Program:
- Compact and T8 fluorescent fixture: Install an energy-efficient lighting system to reduce your lighting costs. Plus, now may be the time to install timers if you've been thinking about implementing long-day lighting — lights on for 16 to 18 hours a day — to boost your herd's milk production.
- Variable-speed pumps: Run both your milk pump motor and transfer pump motor only as fast as necessary and use 50% less electricity, extend the life of your pumps and appreciate a quieter milk house. Plus, a variable-speed pump can pay for itself in less than two years.
- Scroll compressor: Cool down the cost of chilling milk by 30% over conventional compressors and enjoy the scroll compressor's durability, reliability and quiet motor.
- Exhaust Fans: Boost your herds comfort for less by installing energy-efficient fans that draw outside air into your barn or parlor. Tunnel ventilation or HVLS (high volume, low speed) fans are also covered by this program.
- Bulk tank heat recovery: A heat-recovery unit attached to your compressor uses by-product heat to raise the water temperature before it reaches the water heater and drastically reduces your water heater's load.
- In-line milk cooling: Add an in-line plate cooler to your bulk tank to cut its run time by 30% and save you hundreds in cooling your milk.
- Energy-free or energy-efficient waterers: Recent improvements to heating element technologies, insulation levels and basin design can help improve energy efficiency. (Element max of 250 watts.)
T8 fluorescent lights save energy, especially in conjunction with long-day lighting.