Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency (EE) means using less energy to provide the same result. Energy efficiency upgrades are often the “low hanging fruit” for reducing your energy costs.
Examples of energy efficiency improvements include:
High efficiency Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems (HVAC);
Insulation;
LED lighting;
High-efficiency cooling or refrigeration units;
Doors & windows;
Replacing pumps (electric, solar, or gravity) for sprinkler pivots;
Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor;
Replacing equipment/machinery with energy-inefficient equipment/machinery, e.g., grain dryers and reverse osmosis filtration systems.
Where do I start?
An energy audit is often the first step toward realizing the opportunities to use energy more efficiently on your operation. Depending on your circumstance, there are several avenues to completing an energy audit:
If you are applying for EQIP funding on your farm, your audit can be paid for through EQIP’s contract payment. See our EQIP page for details.
If your farm or business qualifies, we can connect you with a free energy audit (a several-thousand dollar value) with our project partner the Waste Reduction Partners. Such an audit is useful and often necessary for applying for federal cost-share grants.
Audits or assessments specific to an already determined energy efficiency need can be performed by the professional installer, who will often include the audit/assessment in their quote to install the upgrade.
EE Self-Assessment Tools
Connect with EE installers
For a list and interactive map of energy efficiency installers in your area (including energy audits, HVAC, insulation, lighting, ventilation, and more), visit Energy Savings Action Center from Appalachian Voices.
Alternatively, you may find other installation professionals to meet your needs at Energy Sage.
Fund your EE project
Visit our funding page for incentives and grants that may be available through our programs, or through federal, state, and utility-level programs.