Food Service for Businesses (E)
Restaurants and cafeterias typically operate with a tight profit margin and are very conscious of controlling food and labor costs. But, when it comes to controlling energy costs for their equipment, restaurant managers may not know how or where to start. Kitchens are very intense energy users, so using energy efficient equipment is a great way to control costs.
Bright Energy Solutions® offers incentives for a variety of ENERGY STAR® rated cooking and refrigeration equipment that will help you save energy and save money. Then, you can concentrate on the great food and excellent service that your customers expect.
For additional energy-saving tips for your restaurant, check out the Putting Energy into Profits: ENERGY STAR® Guide for Restaurants.
Bright Energy Solutions® offers incentives for a variety of ENERGY STAR® rated cooking and refrigeration equipment that will help you save energy and save money. Then, you can concentrate on the great food and excellent service that your customers expect.
For additional energy-saving tips for your restaurant, check out the Putting Energy into Profits: ENERGY STAR® Guide for Restaurants.Frequently Asked Questions
A: All ENERGY STAR qualified equipment meets the requirements for Food Service Bright Energy SolutionsSM incentives. ENERGY STAR qualifications are not yet widely in place for griddles and ovens. Griddles and convection ovens must have a Cooking Energy Efficiency of 0.70 and combination ovens must have a minimum Cooking Energy Efficiency of 0.60.
A: Used or rebuilt equipment is not eligible for Food Service Bright Energy SolutionsSM incentives. Existing equipment must be removed and properly disposed of.
Energy Tips
Refrigerator
To check for air leaks in refrigerator door gaskets, close the door on a dollar bill or strip of paper in several locations around the perimeter of each door. If you easily can remove the bill (or it falls out), the gasket needs to be adjusted or, more likely, replaced. Also perform a visual check of the gaskets, looking for breaks or deformed areas that may not be sealing properly—or traces of mildew that indicate air leaks. Source: Iowa Energy Center.
Water usage
To save energy and cut down on your water bill, take a shower instead of a bath.
Appliances
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To check for air leaks in refrigerator door gaskets, close the door on a dollar bill or strip of paper in several locations around the perimeter of each door. If you easily can remove the bill (or it falls out), the gasket needs to be adjusted or, more likely, replaced. Also perform a visual check of the gaskets, looking for breaks or deformed areas that may not be sealing properly—or traces of mildew that indicate air leaks. Source: Iowa Energy Center.
Water usage
To save energy and cut down on your water bill, take a shower instead of a bath.
Appliances
Appliances and home electronics account for about 20 percent of your energy bill. Consider updating these items by shopping for ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and electronics. And, turn them off when not in use.