Summer is now in full swing, and that means that every day, people consume significantly more energy in AC refrigeration than they do any other time of the year. Businesses aren’t excluded from this observation, and oftentimes, the thought of reducing business energy expenses during peak times can be overwhelming.
However, there are several small things that can be done to contribute to the cause, and as a business owner, you don’t have to bend over backwardsto perform these tasks! Here are five ways to reduce business energy expenses this summer.
1) Take Advantage of The Natural Sunlight
There are a plethora of aesthetic and health benefits that are associated with primarily using natural sunlight. Natural light contributes to creating a happier and healthier work environment. It also boosts productivity and is found to be much more comfortable to work in than artificial lighting.
And speaking of artificial lighting, using natural sunlight reduces the need for it! Electric lighting consumes a significant amount of energy; however, when natural light is utilized in a space that utilizes sunlight-sensing controls, that reduces energy usage. Opening up window blinds can really make a difference. Additionally, it might be worthwhile taking a look to see which areas in your place of business have the most sunlight and remove the artificial lighting from those spaces.
2) Get an Energy Audit
The word ‘audit’ probably isn’t something you’d like to hear, but it actually provides insights that you won’t find anywhere else. Though immediately implementing energy-efficient strategies is one’s immediate knee-jerk reaction, first thing’s first: you should probably know where your money is going to every month.
There are many utility companies out there that offer inexpensive or free energy audits to their customers; these are useful in that they can help you figure out where you are spending your money save on electricity bills. That way, you will know where to employ any plans made to save money by reducing energy consumption.
3) Invest in Energy Efficient Equipment
Though it seems like common sense at first glance, a lot of business owners don’t actively invest in energy efficient equipment. A common misconception is that it costs more than older equipment that, while it lacks energy efficiency features, seems to work all the same. However, you’re spending money to save more money in the long run.
Printers, fax machines, computers, monitors, etc. that are labelled as energy efficient can save money since these devices run more efficiently and are built with an energy saver function that will put the device to rest if left inactive for an extended period of time.
Another piece of equipment that drains a lot of energy and costs a lot of money is your HVAC system. In the summer, you’re going to need a properly functioning central AC unit. If you have an old system, it’s probably time that you replace it. Having an older system that hasn’t been serviced in a while can lead to the consumption of more energy and less cool hair being pushed out of the HVAC system. Replacing or servicing the unit, while it can be costly, helps reduce those energy expenses.
Also, while your system is getting an update, look around to see where all of the vents are in your space. Ensure that no furniture is blocking any vent, as that also means that your system will be using 25% more energy than it should.
4) Apply Energy-Efficient Window Films to All of Your Windows
Improperly insulated spaces are big time contributors to energy waste and a large electricity bill. An uninformed person wouldn’t suspect otherwise, but by having an open window or a window that lacks the proper protection to block out harmful UV radiation and contain the cool air from your HVAC system. You are essentially wasting money and using more energy.
Luckily, you don’t necessarily have to replace your windows with a glass that features high-performance specialized coatings which help lower energy consumption. A simple energy efficient window film will do the trick. They’re easy to find and install and, best of all, they offer fairly inexpensive and effective solution. These films reduce the UV radiation that filters into your business, and also reduces the heat that radiates through the windows.
5) Turn Off Those Lights! (And Everything Else That Isn’t in Use)
Though this is probably the simplest solution, you would be surprised how many people let electrical appliances run. It doesn’t seem like a lot at first glance but leaving your computers, fax machines, printers, etc. on without using them after a while drains a significant amount of energy. This touches on the point of purchasing energy-efficient equipment, but just in case you don’t: you should be getting into the habit of putting these machines into sleep mode or switching them off when they are not in use.
Jayson is a strong believer that you don’t have to be wealthy to live a rich and full life and wants to share tips on how to do exactly this. Whether its saving money tips, smart business hacks, or budget travel, he hopes to inspire others to do more with less.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayson-goetz-4a1552129