Certified Facility Manager (CFM) Practice Exam

Proper maintenance of equipment reduces energy use by?

1. Eliminating the need for repairs.

2. Replacing older equipment with new models.

3. Maintaining efficiency and prolonging the life of the equipment.

4. Increasing the frequency of equipment usage.

The correct answer is: Maintaining efficiency and prolonging the life of the equipment.

Proper maintenance of equipment plays a critical role in reducing energy consumption by maintaining efficiency and prolonging the life of the equipment. When equipment is well-maintained, it operates at optimal efficiency, which means it uses less energy to perform the same tasks compared to poorly maintained or aging equipment. A well-functioning piece of machinery consumes fewer resources, contributing to overall energy savings. Additionally, regular maintenance can help identify issues before they escalate, ensuring that equipment continues to perform effectively over time. This proactive approach not only helps in reducing unplanned downtime and repair costs but also assures that the equipment is running under conditions that maximize its performance capabilities. While replacing older equipment can lead to energy savings, it does require a significant investment and does not directly relate to the ongoing energy use of currently operational equipment. Thus, while it's a potential avenue for energy reduction, it is not the most relevant option in the context of immediate maintenance practices. Similarly, increasing the frequency of equipment usage does not directly address energy efficiency; rather, it implies potential degradation of efficiency if the equipment is not properly maintained.