Running a business of any size can be a challenging endeavor. With the focus on growth and general expenses, some aspects of running a business can be overlooked. Something business owners don’t always consider in the day-to-day operation is the cost of energy and efficiency, especially during the summer months. According to the EPA, U.S. small businesses collectively spend an eye-popping $60 billion on energy each year. To help combat this, we’ve outlined some tips to reduce your business’s energy costs during peak cooling months.
Perform an Energy Audit
Before taking steps to reduce energy costs, have an energy audit performed at your place of business. This audit will provide a clear understanding of your business’s current baseline energy use, a breakdown of what is using the most energy, and what needs to be addressed to help reduce energy consumption. To schedule an energy audit, contact UGI Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing today.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Equipment
One of the biggest energy consumption offenders in a place of business is outdated technology. Upgrading older appliances and office equipment to newer, more energy-efficient models can save money on your energy budget. According to the EPA, businesses with energy-efficient practices and equipment use 35 percent less energy than typical office buildings. Look for the ENERGYSTAR logo to ensure your business is using energy-efficient equipment. Related Blog Post: While you’re thinking about ways to reduce energy costs in your office, check out our blog post on energy-efficient lighting.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Many businesses have an on-going thermostat war where it’s conceivable to see employees change the temperature multiple times throughout the day. Constantly changing the temperature on the thermostat causes the HVAC unit to work even harder than normal. Installing a programmable thermostat will help to combat this issue as well as the regulation of the temperature during non-working hours. Programmable thermostats can be set at a locked, standard temperature during working hours, then automatically switch to a different temperature during non-working hours to reduce energy costs.
Decrease Energy Use During & After Work Hours
Installing a programmable thermostat at your place of business is only part of the battle when it comes to reducing energy use. Turning lights off for a portion of the workday or when certain rooms are not in use, unplugging equipment during non-working hours, opening windows during cool, breezy days, or closing the blinds during hot, sunny days can help to reduce energy consumption. Small changes like these can make a sizeable difference on your energy budget.
Educate Employees on Energy Reduction Habits
An often-overlooked energy-saving practice is to educate employees on the importance of reducing energy consumption. Inspiring employees to be more energy efficient with their day-to-day habits through team learning sessions and fun, energy-saving goals will help to raise awareness of bad energy-use practices and reduce energy costs. Check out ENERGYSTAR’s employee education toolkit for help with educating employees on this important topic.
For more energy-saving tips and information to help take control of your business’s energy consumption, check out the commercial business energy tips section of our website or call us today at 1-800-427-8545.