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Sunday, 02 November 2008 10:54 |
Autumn 2008 Newsletter Energy Costs - Minimise Wastage As we enter the autumn/winter period of the year keeping your bird housing at the correct temperature for the least cost, is the simplest way to improve margins. Before you commit to capital expenditure on the latest energy saving scheme why not take a few minutes to make sure your existing equipment is working in the most effective way. Six steps for a DIY equipment health check: - Heater position in relation to first stage fans.
Have you swapped to a different style of heating (e.g. brooders to air heating)? If so, was the fan sequence adjusted at the time the change took place? It is important with air heating to have the heater and fan locations checked to ensure that the warm air from the heater is not going straight out of the building when the first stage of fans is running.
- First stage fans & inlet opening.
If you use less first stage fans in the winter do you alter the inlet opening position to accommodate for the reduction in air movement?
- Running cost of first stage fans.
Are you using the most efficient fans on the first stage? Maximum airflow for minimum wattage.
- Inlet control - accurate positioning.
Are your inlets correctly adjusted and capable of precise control?
Do your inlets automatically go fully closed when all the fans are off?
Is the incoming clod air mixing with the warm air before it reaches bird level?
Can you close off inlets at low ventilation rates to create fewer but stronger jets of air, to aid mixing?
- Air leaks & draughts.
As housing gets older so the potential for air leakage increases.
Use extra seals in winter.
Check the condition of backdraught shutters on the fans.
Use insulated doors on the fans your not using. In particular if you have maxifans for use in the summer period.
Make sure any incoming cold air is where you want it to be.
- Temperature sensors - position & calibration.
Are all the sensors in the best location?
How long has it been since their calibration was last checked?
Corrosion on the sensor connections can cause temperature errors upward of 1°C.
Climatec service & maintenance can offer equipment health checks and free advise on providing solutions to anything highlighted on the above list. We also have a range of energy saving products that for small capital cost can reduce your energy bills. These include: Remember at Climatec advise is free. Reduce you costs not your bank balance. Contact Climatec first. Climatec products + Climatec engineers = least cost |
