TABER, Alta. – Something as simple as clean light bulbs in a barn can make a big difference in energy savings on the farm.
In some cases as much as 15 percent can be shaved off the utility bill when conservation practices are taken seriously, Jason Price of Alberta Agriculture said during a recent alternative energy conference in Taber.
Alberta Agriculture is compiling lists of simple energy conservation tips that can be adopted with little effort or expense.
“Conservation should be the first step,” he said.
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“It is cheaper to save a lot rather than make a lot.”
A pilot project on 15 Alberta dairy, hog and poultry farms conducted energy audits to help eliminate waste and make recommendations to improve efficiency as well as raise awareness about how to do the same amount of work with less energy.
Federal-provincial incentives through the Growing Forward program are expected this spring to reward people for using less energy.
Producers interested in this program should install separate meters to measure how much gas and electricity are used. When the government programs come into effect, customers may need a year’s worth of energy bills to qualify for the incentives.
A third party does farm assessments because an auditor might notice where waste is occurring.
“We think the assessments are a great idea because it is a new set of eyes,” Price said in an interview.
Old habits die hard, he added, but an easy place to start is to stop idling vehicles. Make sure farm vehicles have proper tire pressure and use radial tires.
Lighting in barns should be evaluated. For example, broiler barns tend to use incandescent light bulbs because they can be dimmed, but new florescent types will also dim and last longer. Lighting with incandescent bulbs may cost $3,500 per year while cold cathode bulbs cost $700.
Also, research before buying new bulbs. Check the colour rendering index and colour temperature to make sure the light provides realistic colour rather than a blue or red tinge.
Look at compressed air systems, which dairy and hog barns use to open and close gates. Leaking compressor pipes mean the machine must work harder to deliver air.
“If you add up all the possible leaks, it means your compressor is running against the leaks,” he said.
Water heating is expensive, especially if using electricity.
“Any electric heat costs three times as much as natural gas in Alberta,” he said.
Make sure temperatures are correct and sensors are reading correctly. Check to see how hot the water is and decide if it is necessary because a few extra degrees can add expense.
Drain water heaters periodically to remove accumulated mineral scale in the tank and prevent it from forming on the heating elements, which forces the unit to work harder.
Small fixes can make a difference. Older barns with older equipment need regular maintenance.
“Even dirt on light bulbs adds up to serious inefficiencies,” he said.
