Are you looking for ways to save money on your electric bill? Many small business owners find energy costs are a significant, unpredictable expenditure each month.
To decrease this amount, companies need to control their energy use as much as possible. The following suggestions can help lower your electric expenses.
Use Natural Light as Much as Possible
If you have access to abundant natural light, use it as much as you can. On sunny days, the rays coming through windows may make artificial illumination unnecessary in parts of your office.
Skylights can also help lower your electricity costs. They can reduce the need for artificial lighting by up to 80%, even when it’s overcast, say those at Dominion Roofing Company.
Reduce Usage During Peak Hours
Peak demand hours are those during which energy consumption is highest. These times may vary depending on your electric company and the season of the year. Suppliers typically charge a higher rate for energy use during these periods.
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To determine how to best work around these peak hours, you’ll first need to discover when your provider charges the most. Then, find ways to use less energy during these times. For example, you could stagger employees’ work hours or run factory equipment at off-peak times.
Turn Off and Unplug Equipment at the End of the Day
You can save energy by teaching your team a few specific habits. They’ll need to shut down computers, printers, copiers, and any other equipment before leaving the office. Remember to include kitchen appliances like coffee makers, microwaves, or toasters, as well.
Unplugging equipment may not be a part of the current company protocol, but it is wise because it can save electricity. When devices are plugged in but not in use, they still use power; this phenomenon is called phantom energy.
Thus, it is essential to turn your equipment off and remove the plug from the outlet. Using power strips can help you shut down and unplug several pieces of equipment simultaneously.
Choose Energy-Efficient Equipment and Light Bulbs
Another way to save on electricity is to use ENERGY STAR devices as much as possible. Products must meet strict government requirements for low power consumption to receive this rating. Before you purchase or lease electronics, check whether they have the ENERGY STAR.
You can also save money on electricity by replacing incandescent bulbs with more energy-efficient options. Look for LED or CFL bulbs, which will cost you much less in the long run.
Use Automation
Automation can help you reduce energy use. For example, programming thermostats can save on HVAC costs. Motion sensors enable you to maintain lights off in common areas when they aren’t in use.
Programmable Thermostats
If your team works regular hours, you can program your thermostats to maintain a comfortable temperature only when people are present. Thus, your heating and cooling costs will be lower than if you left the HVAC running with nobody at the office.
Sensors for Lights
Everybody knows it’s a good idea to turn off lights that aren’t in use. However, they often stay on in bathrooms, conference rooms, and break rooms even when nobody is there. To help control this, you can have motion sensors installed to automatically turn them on when someone is present and off when they leave.
Control Costs at All Times
Your company’s electric bill can be an unpleasant surprise at the end of each month. However, there are practical steps you can take to control costs. Using natural light when possible and reducing peak demand are two possibilities.
You’ll also want to turn off and unplug all equipment when it’s not in use. Choosing energy-efficient light bulbs and apparatuses and using automation can contribute to lower electric bills. Doing all of these things will make a significant difference in the amount you pay for power each month.
