With colder weather here and it getting darker earlier in the evening, we use a lot of energy. Running our lights for longer each day, our heat running a little higher, this can become expensive and also bad for the environment. So let these local businesses help you minimize your energy use this season.
As winter temperatures drop, energy costs in commercial and institutional buildings often rise. Engineered Controls (EngineeredControls.com), a Nebraska-based leader in building automation, helps clients maintain comfort while minimizing energy use.
Integration of building systems is a central part of their approach. HVAC, lighting, and other systems are connected on a single platform to optimize performance and reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Design and consulting services analyze existing systems, recommend tailored solutions, and implement energy-saving strategies, ensuring that heating is delivered efficiently and reliably throughout the building.
Engineered Controls has worked with a wide range of facilities, from hospitals and corporate offices to hotels and arenas, helping each facility lower energy costs while maintaining occupant comfort. Their approach is comprehensive, including evaluation, integration, training, and ongoing maintenance to ensure long-term performance.
With the added energy demands of winter, their combination of measurement, automation, and system integration helps clients keep costs down and energy waste minimized. By taking a proactive approach to building efficiency, Engineered Controls ensures that every facility is prepared to operate at pea With colder weather here and it getting darker earlier in the evening, we use a lot of energy. Running our lights for longer each day, our heat running a little higher, this can become expensive and also bad for the environment. So let these local businesses help you minimize your energy use this season.
As winter temperatures drop, energy costs in commercial and institutional buildings often rise. Engineered Controls, a Nebraska-based leader in building automation, helps clients maintain comfort while minimizing energy use.
Integration of building systems is a central part of their approach. HVAC, lighting, and other systems are connected on a single platform to optimize performance and reduce unnecessary energy consumption. Design and consulting services analyze existing systems, recommend tailored solutions, and implement energy-saving strategies, ensuring that heating is delivered efficiently and reliably throughout the building.
Engineered Controls has worked with a wide range of facilities, from hospitals and corporate offices to hotels and arenas, helping each facility lower energy costs while maintaining occupant comfort. Their approach is comprehensive, including evaluation, integration, training, and ongoing maintenance to ensure long-term performance.
With the added energy demands of winter, their combination of measurement, automation, and system integration helps clients keep costs down and energy waste minimized. By taking a proactive approach to building efficiency, Engineered Controls ensures that every facility is prepared to operate at peak performance throughout the season.
HVAC systems have evolved beyond simple on/off operation. Advances in variable-speed inverter technology, smart controls, and system design allow modern units to adjust output in real time, reducing energy use, improving comfort, lowering noise, and extending equipment life. New refrigerants and efficiency standards also boost overall performance.
Choosing an energy-efficient system involves three factors: selecting the right type (like variable-speed heat pumps or high-efficiency furnaces), proper sizing and design, and professional installation. At Custom Cooling & Heating, every system is tailored to the home for optimal performance.
Regular maintenance ensures efficiency, prevents costly repairs, maintains airflow, and extends system life. Modern products like Daikin Fit inverter heat pumps, smart thermostats, zoned ducting, and high-performance filtration enhance comfort, air quality, and energy savings and even in Nebraska winters.
Custom Cooling & Heating (CustomCooling.net) evaluates the whole system, including ductwork, insulation, ventilation, and controls. Popular upgrades include heat pump replacements with rebates, smart thermostats, duct sealing, high-efficiency furnaces, and variable-speed air handlers. Rising utility costs, comfort expectations, and incentives are driving energy-efficiency upgrades.
For example, a Lincoln homeowner who installed a Daikin Fit inverter heat pump lowered utility bills, qualified for City of Lincoln and LES incentives, and enjoys quieter, more consistent temperatures. To save energy this winter, replace filters regularly, program thermostats efficiently, seal gaps, keep vents clear, schedule tune-ups, and consider upgrading systems older than 15–18 years.
At Lincoln Electric System (LES) (LES.com), being energy efficient means using energy wisely and achieving the same results while using less energy. As part of its mission to serve the Lincoln community,
LES helps residents and businesses understand their energy use and adopt energy-efficient practices.
LES takes a comprehensive approach to energy efficiency. The utility offers financial incentives for energy-efficient upgrades and emphasizes education and outreach to help the community manage energy use. Services include energy audits and connections to additional resources for more in-depth assessments. LES also engages with the public at community events and speaking engagements throughout the year.
One of LES’s signature educational resources is EdITH, the Educational Interactive Tiny Home, which showcases energy-efficient technologies such as induction cooktops and heat pump water heaters. Additionally, LES is piloting an income-qualifying energy-efficiency program in one of Lincoln’s most underserved neighborhoods and continues to explore new programs and tools to expand its impact. Together, these initiatives help customers reduce energy waste, save on utility bills, and support LES in maintaining a reliable and sustainable energy grid.
Through LES’s Sustainable Energy Program (SEP), residential, commercial, and industrial customers can receive financial incentives for qualified high-efficiency equipment, lighting controls, building envelope improvements, and approved custom projects. For example, a customer replacing an air conditioner and electric-resistance heat with a heat pump system can save roughly 5,000 to 7,000 kWh per year, or $300 to $400. Large commercial and industrial projects often yield even greater savings.
Over the past few years, Lincoln has seen a strong community focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. Many residents and businesses have adopted technologies such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, heat pumps, and variable-speed equipment. Interest in electrification and renewable energy has also grown, as people become more aware of how everyday behaviors affect energy use.
Emerging trends shaping the future of energy efficiency in Lincoln include electrification, industrial heat pumps, induction heating, and other innovative technologies that reduce energy waste.
Biggerstaff Plumbing (BiggerStaffs.com) offers practical ways to save energy during the winter months. One important step is to insulate all hot water supply lines from the water heater to every water stop in the home or business. Tankless water heaters are the most efficient way to heat water. When you turn a hot water valve on, it heats the water, and when you turn the hot water valve off, the water heater goes into standby mode. The gas valve also shuts off to avoid wasting energy. A circulating line from the tankless water heater to the furthest hot water valve will save a significant amount of water and gas.
Both environmental and energy conservation go hand in hand. Water and energy consumption is a common topic, especially with rising utility bills. Dripping faucets or fill valves in toilets keep filling water periodically, which can run up energy bills and triple water bills. Servicing customers’ equipment annually helps keep equipment performance at the standards the plate rating specifies.
Customers are increasingly interested in tankless water heaters and high-efficiency furnaces to carry them into the future. Rebates from energy companies and manufacturers can help offset costs.
One commercial customer replaced a light-duty gas water heater with a tankless gas water heater because they were not getting consistent hot water to a three-compartment sink and a hand sink.
After calculations, the tankless option was the best solution. The customer later said they wished they had made the change years ago, as they are now saving time and have hot water when needed.
They also commented that it is comforting knowing they are not wasting water in daily duties.
First, look at areas in your home or business where air passes through from the outside and seal and insulate to keep the cold out and the warm in. Secondly, check your thermostat is set at 68 degrees while you are not home or at work to keep the heating unit from running more often and energy costs down.
This winter, staying comfortable doesn’t have to mean higher energy bills. The holiday season is already a pricey one with traveling, gift giving, party prep, the list goes on. Saving energy also means saving money. These highlighted businesses are here to help you with any questions you may have. Local experts like Engineered Controls, Custom Cooling & Heating, Biggerstaff Plumbing, and LES offer tips, upgrades, and programs to help you save energy and money.
Maybe you want to replace filters, get your thermostats programmed, seal gaps, keep vents clear, schedule tune-ups, consider upgrading systems, or you just want to be more environment-friendly… Regradless of whether you are looking to save energy this season these businesses are here to help in any way they can. Doing simple house evaluations and asking local experts for thier input can make a big difference for your comfort and the environment. So save energy, money, and the environment this season.