As a business owner, you have a lot to juggle on a daily basis. One of the biggest ticket items in your operating costs, after staffing, materials, and rent, is likely your electricity bill. Though it may seem like a fixed expense you can do little about, following these six simple energy-saving tips for businesses can help lower your electric bill.
6 Simple Energy-saving Tips for Businesses
1. Replace Outdated Equipment
If you have older equipment, upgrading could save you energy. Consider replacing old printers with new, Energy Star models. If it’s time to replace a desktop computer, a laptop paired with a large monitor and Bluetooth or wired keyboard might be a better option. Laptops, according to the EPA, are 2.5 to 3 times more efficient than desktop computers.
Additionally, many older buildings are not designed to carry the electrical load businesses require and need additional circuits installed or an electrical panel upgrade for optimal efficiency and safety. To ensure the electrical current is moving safely throughout your building, schedule an inspection with a professional electrician.
2. Switch to LED Bulbs
Switching to a LED (light emitting diode) lighting system can reduce your energy costs considerably. LED lights use up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and produce significantly more light. For instance, a 10-watt LED bulb produces 800 lumens. To produce the same amount of visible light with incandescent lighting, you would need a 60-watt bulb.
LEDs also have the added benefits of attracting fewer insects and pests, and since they run cooler, they also reduce fire risks. Read What Are the Benefits of LED Lighting for Home and Business Owners to learn more.
3. Add Motion Sensors, Timers and/or Dimmers to Lights
Installing motion sensors or timers in office spaces, doorways, and parking lots can help many businesses conserve energy. Similarly, dimmer switches provide the flexibility of using less energy for illumination at different times of the day or for different tasks or situations.
You will need to make sure to choose a compatible dimmer for the type of bulb you’re using. Most dimmer switches are compatible with modern halogen light bulbs.
4. Schedule regular HVAC maintenance
Perhaps one of the biggest opportunities to save on your electricity bill is to keep the biggest user of your electricity, your HVAC system, running at peak efficiency. Scheduling regular maintenance will increase its efficiency and save you money, not only on your electricity, but on repair costs.
Routine inspections and servicing, help ensure smaller HVAC problems are detected before they grow into bigger, more costly ones.
5. Add Ceiling Fans to Compliment the A/C
Ceiling fans are a perfect compliment to your air conditioning and should be used in tandem for the most benefit. Keeping the air circulating better will decrease the load on your AC unit as it tries to cool the entire room. If you already have fans, check to see if they have an Energy Star rating, as these can improve your energy efficiency by 40% compared to non-rated models.
6. Power Down
The best energy savings come into play when we’re simply not using it. Turning off shop and office equipment overnight and unplugging seldom-used equipment are some of the simplest and most efficient ways to conserve energy. Even when equipment is powered down, it’s still drawing a small amount of current while it’s plugged in.
Energy-saving Audits, Tips and Services for Sonoma County Businesses
To determine where the most improvement can be made in your business, contact your utility or an energy conservation consultant for an energy audit. When it comes to updating lighting and equipment, the experts at Schafer Electric are here to serve you.
Our professional electricians can ensure that your electrical system is working properly and at peak efficiency. We also specialize in security and safety lighting installation and maintenance for commercial buildings and parking lots.
If your business is in need of any commercial electrical services, fill out the form below or contact Schafer Electric today.
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