Are reduced energy costs part of your business’s goals for the new year? With a few changes, you can make your business more energy-efficient and cut back on energy costs. Check out these helpful tips:
- Turn off and unplug. When equipment is not in use, turn it off or unplug it. Make sure you switch off all printers, scanners, microwaves, lights, HVAC, and vending machines during weekends and holidays. Switching them off after working hours conserves energy and reduces your bill.
- Get an energy audit. A professional energy audit can help you identify where your business should cut back on its energy use and find additional ways to reduce your energy costs.
- Print only when necessary. Not only will this help you reduce paper waste, but it also reduces the amount of energy required to run the printer and can extend your printer’s lifespan.
- Buy energy-efficient devices and appliances. Energy-efficient items cost more upfront, but they pay off over years of use. When upgrading, choose ENERGY STAR-certified appliances, which help you save energy and reduce your business’s energy costs. Read how aging energy equipment can affect your business.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat. A great way to reduce your energy costs, programmable thermostats automatically adjust the temperature of your workplace even when no one is in the office. When installing, be sure to place it away from drafty areas, direct sunlight, and mechanical equipment.
- Minimize artificial lighting. When possible, take advantage of the sun’s light and warmth through your building’s windows and skylights. Maximize the daylight, and only use artificial lights in dark areas. The less your lights are turned on, the more you’ll save on energy costs.
- Check your windows and doors. Are they properly sealed, or can you feel cold air coming through? Sealed doors and windows are better for keeping cool in the summer and keeping the heat in during the winter.
- Upgrade your lightbulbs. Replacing outdated incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR-certified CFL or LED lights could reduce your energy consumption by up to 75 percent and increase the lifespan of your fixtures.
- Cut back on excessive electricity and lighting. Switch off unnecessary lights in meeting rooms, stairwells, break rooms, and other areas that aren’t frequently used.
- Hold virtual meetings. 2020 has been the year of the virtual meeting. Love them or hate them, hosting meetings through Skype, Zoom, Teams, or Webex can help your business save on energy. When meetings are held online, you don’t have to worry about firing up the projector or remembering to turn off the lights in the conference room.
To learn more ways to save money on energy and how to be a more energy-efficient business owner, check out our free commercial energy guide or give us a call at 1-800-427-8545.