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% percent less electricity to keep your structures lit. Take advantage of a WPS 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 the WPS 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 your milk pump motor and transfer pump motor only as fast as necessary. You'll 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 - Run both your milk pump motor and transfer pump motor only as fast as necessary. You'll 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.
- 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.)
