Top Ways to Save Energy and Lower Your Business Utility Costs

Conserving energy is essential and beneficial to a business. It reduces utility expenses, protects the environment, improves health since the environment is less polluted, saves natural resources such as coal used to produce energy, and promotes goodwill in the society as each person becomes a responsible consumer.

Picture 1 of Top Ways to Save Energy and Lower Your Business Utility Costs

Change Suppliers

If you've had the same energy supplier for several years, you might consider switching to a new one. Do market research for a competitive supplier. You can bundle up together gas and electricity services and get a package from one supplier. You will reduce logistical expenses and get an attractive discount. You can compare gas and electric prices here to find an affordable plan for you. If you switch to a new supplier, you will get a cheaper rate, better tariffs, and introductory offers. You will as well get improved, efficient, and reliable services.

Insulate the Offices Well

When you insulate offices, you reduce the expenses of heating and cooling the offices as they are airtight. The insulation ensures when the air conditioner or heater is switched off, the office environment will not be affected by the external weather. Windows are the vent through which energy is lost. To prevent this, double graze the windows to retain the offices' heat or coolness. You can also use dark curtains that will retain heat and keep the room warm. Doors should be well-built to provide insulation. Whenever the AC is on, ensure the doors and windows are closed to save energy.

Switch Off Unnecessary Lights

Every light, appliance, machine, gadget, and fixture that is not in use should be switched off. Though it might seem like a small usage, when totaled, it amounts to a significant expense. If an office is not in use, switch off all the gadgets and lights in it. Any electrical machine consumes power if left on, even though idle. In the offices, use a power board that will supply power to multiple electrical appliances concurrently. This improves efficiency as you can switch off all the devices at once as you leave the office.

Invest in Energy-Efficient Office Equipment

Office equipment power consumption contributes to the highest percent of the energy utility expenses. This expense can be reduced if some measures are put in place. First of all, invest in equipment which is energy saving. Energy-efficient machines and equipment cost higher, but their operating costs are lower as they consume less energy. Invest in computers whose monitors automatically go off if not used for a certain period.

Enable all standby features in machines such as photocopiers, printers, and dispensers. Connect the equipment to the same power board to help you remember to switch off all appliances when you sign off at the end of the day.

Use LED Lights

Picture 2 of Top Ways to Save Energy and Lower Your Business Utility Costs

Switch the bulbs in the offices to energy-saving bulbs like the LED lights. You will reduce your utility expenses. These modern bulbs save energy as they use heat instead of light to release energy. The LED bulbs have a longer lifespan, can be switched on and off many times without blowing up, environmentally friendly, do not heat or emit UV, available in different designs, switch on and off very fast, and also available in assorted colors. Compared to the incandescent, mercury vapor, and fluorescent lights, the LED lights are a win as they have more benefits and energy efficiency.

Get a Modern HVAC System

A modern heater, ventilator, and AC system consume a lot of energy, yet it is necessary for the workplace. An upgraded system will be more energy-efficient compared to an old one. To replace an old HVAC system with a modern one may be costly, but it will be a worthy expense in the long run. The new system will save energy as it is more efficient, less noisy, has a thermostat to regulate the temperature, is eco-friendly, and comfortable. The system maintains constant temperatures in all the offices as it has balanced heating, cooling, and ventilation which makes the offices comfortable.

As a business, use the above tips to reduce your utility expenses. Since this is the area that takes the highest percentage of utility bills, any measures to lower it will be of great benefit to your company. Implementing the tips might be costly at first but are worth it.

Kareem Winters

Update 29 April 2021