10 Energy Saving Tips for Your Small Business
Cut down on your business’ overhead expenses by changing up how you use energy. Small businesses that implement energy efficiency into their workspaces can save 10 to 30 percent on their utility bill. Here are 10 ways you can start saving today:
- Switch off computers and laptops
At the end of the workday, make sure computers and laptops are turned off throughout the office. Just leaving one monitor on during the weekend and nights, can add $30 to your bill annually. Now imagine leaving hundreds on — it’ll take a toll on your electric bill. And encourage team members not to have screensavers as this can burn twice as much energy.
- Program thermostat to work schedule
If your workplace runs on a set schedule, like a 9 to 5, match your thermostat to work with it. It doesn’t need to blow extra heat or cold during the nights and weekends. By turning it back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours or more, you can save up to 10 percent a year!
- Use power strips
Our workspaces are often full of devices necessary to the success of our business. To optimize energy efficiency, plug-in printers, scanners, computers, and chargers into power strips. It makes it easier to turn it all off at the end of the work hour without having to go one by one. You also prevent “vampire” energy sneakily taking up your electricity while a device is off but plugged in.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient lights
Swap out traditional incandescent lights to energy-saving options like LEDs or CFLs. They last up to 25 times longer with 80 percent less energy. You can also install lighting controls like dimmers and motion sensors to keep it simple for you and your team. We’re all human — and switching off the lights can slip our minds from time to time.
- Control how the sun shines through
Depending on where you live and its weather, be strategic on how the sun shines through your windows. On a hot day, windows facing the sun can bring in extra heat that you might not necessarily want. So be sure to close your blinds and curtains. When temperatures drop, let the natural lighting seep in to cut down on electricity costs. 5 percent of the utility bill is often just from lighting.
- Keep it flowing with ceiling fans
Give your HVAC systems a break by switching on a ceiling fan. Through the windchill effect, the breeze cools you down even if your thermostat is set a few degrees higher than usual (and your team won’t notice the difference). They’re great for the winter too. By setting the ceiling fans on low while running backward, it’ll push the warm air down, allowing the temperature to be lower.
- Invest in ENERGY STAR products
From office equipment, kitchen appliances, to the AC unit, they all have ENERGY STAR certified product options. These are all made to be both cost-effective and eco-friendly. ENERGY STAR has helped both residential and business owners collectively avoid $450 billion in energy. It can be a good time to upgrade your equipment if it’s over 10 to 15 years old.
- Maintain HVAC units consistently
When you regularly check up on your HVAC system, it increases longevity and performance. Make it a habit to replace or clean HVAC filters especially during the summer and wintertime when they’re most hard at work. Securing an annual maintenance contract ensures it’s operating efficiently without wasting energy.
- Weatherize the building
Have a drafty window? Don’t let that air sneak out on you. Instead, opt for caulk and weatherstrips as easy and affordable fixes. By doing this, you can save 10 to 20 percent on your energy bills. Consider getting it professionally insulated to get lasting solutions. Plus, it will all add an extra layer of comfort too.
- Request a custom energy quote
When you request a custom quote for your small business, you secure solutions that are exclusive to your workspace. You no longer have to follow an energy plan and pay a rate that doesn’t work. At City Power and Gas, we take the time to analyze your energy usage to craft the best energy plans for your business.