For the last hundred years or so, cars have been readily available for most average consumers.

Historically, cars were able to be ordered direct from manufacturers, through mail order, or even department stores.

Now, there is only really one way – through a car dealership.

Licensed and independently owned car dealerships are almost the only way for customers to purchase new cars, with dealers taking their profits in a variety of ways.

However, car dealerships need electricity to run successfully… and a lot of it.

Why is energy so important for car dealerships?

On average, car dealerships will actually consume more energy than a typical office building of similar size.

This is because of the different systems in place to ensure the safety of the vehicles, staff, and customers. Many dealerships will have auto repair shops in addition to the main shop floor and office areas.

Some of the equipment found in the aforementioned areas include painting booths, compressors, HVAC, and lighting.

Energy opportunities for car dealerships

Car dealerships have many opportunities ready to be exploited, if they so choose.

Each possible avenue offers cost-effective opportunities for reductions in energy use will maintaining quality, safety, and comfort.

Inefficient equipment and lighting will draw on vast quantities of unnecessary power, costing you money and eating away at margins. Not just this, but it can also emit heat that can contribute to higher cooling bills.

The main locations to focus your dealership-specific energy strategy should be in compressors, vehicle washing, paint booths, and bay doors. For more general energy efficiency you should look at lighting, HVAC, windows, doors, roofs, walls, office equipment, kitchen equipment, and water use.

We have created a short list of possible strategies to implement below;

Compressors

When choosing a compressor, although specific performance needs are important, so too are the energy consumption rates. Take a look through some of the following information to see what each type offers:

Reciprocating compressors – these will use a piston to maintain pressure in a tank. It is prone to heat build-up in the compressor head and condensation can build up. Reciprocating compressors are available in a variety of designs and the major bonus is that they are easy to rebuild and only require moderate maintenance.
Scroll compressors – these use a rotating scroll to compress air and are generally more efficient that reciprocating designs when working with higher volumes or more frequent use. During this they will deliver greater volume and good pressure.
Centrifugal compressors – these are typically only used for large shops as they can provide large quantities of air at relatively low pressures. They are extremely low maintenance and can be very energy efficient when run at around 80 percent or greater of peak capacity throughout the day. However, they are extremely inefficient at lower capacities.

To maintain efficient operation:

Periodically check belts for wear and tension

Lubricate moving parts per manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations

Frequently empty water separators

Change air-filters at manufacturer-recommended intervals.

Consult a compressor product and service provider to determine the most appropriate system size and energy efficiency for the facility.

Paint Booth

Frustratingly, paint booths are energy intensive.

Automotive refinishing often involves high-volume, low-pressure guns that require large volumes of air and ventilation systems capable of removing vapours and particulates. Today’s paint booths are much more efficient than even those used 10 to 15 years ago due to manufacturers offering premium motors, better airflow and ducting, variable speed drives, more efficient lighting, and controls.

If you are in the process of selecting a new paint booth then you should ask the supplier if they incorporate these features and if they have any data comparing the efficiency of their booths to others. For any existing booths on your premises, you may be able to consult booth supplier or an energy consultant if any cost/energy-efficient features can be retrofitted.

Detailing facilities and vehicle wash

It is rather common for dealerships to have on-site vehicle washing centres as well as mobile washers. Of course, these range from simple pressure washers to automated car washes with rollers and dryers. Again, these can be extremely energy and water-intensive resulting in significant energy costs.

For any new constructions, it would be wise to consider HID lighting such as metal halide lamps to be specified – T8 lamps will provide better energy efficiency generally. If electricity is the only fuel available, heat pumps could be used for water heating – these work by concentrating existing heat and cost much less to operate than other sources.

If gas is your primary water heating fuel, carefully evaluating boiler efficiencies is prudent, looking for at least a 8% annual fuel use efficiency (AFUE). Maintaining boilers regularly and looking for combustion efficiency and sediment build up is key.

Bay Doors

Bay doors are regularly opened and closed dozens of times a day as vehicles need to enter and exit. This increases heating and cooling loads. It is important to not leave these doors open for long periods of time to reduce energy losses. Other measures may include:

Check seals to minimize air infiltration. Replace missing cracked or hardened seals.
For new doors specify interior and exterior thermal breaks and R-10 or greater.
For new installations specify automatic sensor-driven bay door actuators to ensure that doors close immediately after vehicles or persons enter or exit. Newer high-speed units safely close doors in a fraction of the time older units take.
Educate employees on the energy efficiency value of keeping doors shut. Since bay doors may open and close dozens of times a day and be left open, train employees not to leave these doors unnecessarily open for long periods of time.

The long-term solution – Why dealerships and Energy Brokerage go Hand-in-Hand      

One thing that is universal with all types of private dealerships is the long hours and demanding nature of the job.      

It is unthinkable for most to deal with energy procurement and strategy on top of their already vast daily responsibilities. Dealing with suppliers, complex calculations, paperwork, long phone calls, complex jargon, and even more paperwork…      

We don’t blame you.      

Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone on your side to alleviate the load when it comes to energy?       

That’s when partnering with an energy procurement specialist comes in handy. Acting as a knowledgeable consultant for everything energy, they’ll keep you on the best possible energy contract available to you. Saving you money and time to spend on whatever else you’d rather be doing.      

Energy Solutions by Us, for You            

At a time of great uncertainty in global energy markets, it is easy to feel lost in it all.          

Keeping up to date with developing situations and the associated ramifications is a tricky and time-consuming job. It is also one that is not likely a priority for you and your business.         

So, what do you do?          

You partner with energy procurement experts to take the load off your desk.        

Energy Solutions have been trusted brokers for countless businesses for over twenty years, which means we know how to navigate the energy markets during a time of uncertainty.      

Website: https://www.energybrokers.co.uk/      

Email: nick@energybrokers.co.uk      

Call Us: 0131 610 1688      

WhatsApp: 07757 400 788