Energy use trends only seem to show an increase. If you are a business utility user waiting for your bills on electricity to go down is only going to be a dream that would never come true. Nowadays, alternatives are available. One is a power-saver appliance, and another is shifting your power systems because old ones tend to eat more energy.
Many business owners are having problems with the high energy cost. Companies like Utility Bidder can help you cut down your business energy bills.
Here are some tips for you to save money on business energy consumption.
Tip #1: Arrange an energy consumption audit
An audit will give you an overview of how your business uses energy. An audit is necessary to help you save money for your business, and an energy consumption audit will also help you determine the optimal energy consumption for your business.
Here is a list of why an energy consumption audit is necessary:
- An energy audit will help you identify areas where there is wastage of energy
- An energy audit will identify ways to save energy
- It will help you know efficient ways to save and use energy
- It will help to identify safety concerns you need to address
- It will help you to understand your business energy usage
- It will help how to reduce carbon production in your business
Tip #2: Check business equipment
To save more money on business energy, you need to check the efficiency of every business equipment you have in your office. Old equipment and machinery generate more energy which means higher consumption. Here are some ways to help you in checking out your business equipment:
- add a maintenance timetable to your office equipment
- clean your office equipment and machinery
- upgrade old to an energy-efficient office equipment
Tip #3: Purchase energy-efficient office equipment
The risk of losing money when you continuously maintain old equipment is higher. It is better to purchase energy-efficient office equipment. This choice will help you save money in the long run. There is a lot of energy-efficient equipment you can use in your business, this includes:
- eco chargers
- smart sockets
- LED light bulbs
- thermostats
- energy monitors
- solar panels
Tip #4: Take advantage of natural sunlight
Having an office natural sunlight is abundant is a blessing. Natural sunlight will help you save money. Natural sunlight will also give the illumination that your office needs. The lesser the energy consumption, the higher the money you can save.
Tip #5: Turn off lights and other office equipment when not in use
Make sure to switch off your office equipment when not in use. Plugged office equipment like computers, printers, and air conditioners still consumes energy. It is a great practice to turn them off during lunchtime to conserve energy.
A 60-watt bulb can save 0.06-kilowatt hours for an hour. If you have a 0.30 cents consumption per kilowatt-hour, you can save up to 1.2 cents by turning off the light for an hour.
You can also try the following:
- swapping incandescent light to LED lights
- switch to light sensors in office hallways, corridors, or toilet
Tip #6: Get people involved in energy-efficient practices
A great tip to save money on your business energy consumption is to get people involved in energy-efficient practices. A business owner should be able to inspire the employees to practice efficient energy usage. It is proper to communicate with your employees.
Employees can suggest ways to conserve energy making it more inclusive. Here are some ways you can engage your employees in energy-efficient practices:
- educating your employees
- make the practice personal
- post the energy-efficient policies in the office
- encourage employees to energy innovation
- create a friendly office competition
- give incentives
Tip #7: Insulate the office
Seal the cooling and heating ducts of your office. Check out parts of the office where you need to insulate. Insulation will bring about lesser energy consumption. It significantly reduces the exchange of heat in your office putting a more deficient strain on your office equipment. Here are some materials you can use to insulate your office:
- foam board
- foam blocks
- polystyrene
- rigid board
- wool
- rock or slag
- fibreglass
Tip #8: Generate your electricity through renewable energy resources
Generating own electricity using solar power is a popular trend among businesses today. Investing in long-lasting and efficient energy resources will help you save money in the long run. Other energy options include wind power, hydroelectric, and biomass.
Tip #9: Use a smart meter
Smart meters allow you to see the equipment generating the most energy. A smart meter helps to improve your awareness of the business energy consumption. This tool will also cut down unpredicted energy billing. Using a smart meter will enable you to pay for the right amount of energy you have consumed.
Tip #10: Control the office temperature
It is necessary to control your office temperature to save money on your business. Control the temperature to the optimal point during winter and summer. It is also unnecessary to cool or heat places like storage and cleaning rooms as they are rarely used. Here are some ways you can control the office temperature:
- the use of heating systems
- reduce cold exposure by closing air conditioners
- insulating floor coverings
Tip #11: Switch tariff at the end of your contract
Your business energy consumption is expensive because of tariffs. The prices of electricity fluctuate over time. Your business needs to adapt to this change and switch to a business electricity deal to help you save money. When switching tariffs, you should also pay attention to things like:
- type of tariff
- rates you need to pay
- length of the contract
- exit fee from the previous tariff
- availability of green energy options
- discounts
Tip #12: Clean your HVAC regularly
You can also save money and energy if you clean and maintain your HVAC. Clean it once a month to prevent the appliance from overworking. Cleaning your HVAC is necessary because:
- it improves your business energy efficiency
- reduces repair costs
- prevent future health problems
Tip #13: Set an energy-saving goal for your business
After all your assessments and adjustments, you should set a goal on how much energy can you consume in your business. Identifying a target will help you conserve energy and save more money.
Tip #14: Set your thermostat
One of the best techniques to save money for your business is to set your thermostat to maximum efficiency. You can try reducing your office temperature under 68 F during winter and 78 F during summer to conserve energy and cut out energy expenses.
Why is it important to conserve your business energy?
Conserving energy is essential to every business. Wasted energy wastes your money. A business should value sustainability. Saving energy in your business can provide benefits like:
- saving money
- reduces operation costs
- greater mobility of resources
- the longer working life of office equipment
- lower temperature level
- reduces carbon footprint
