There are plenty of costs involved in running a business, but electricity can often be one of those that catches you off guard. If you apply the right strategies, your energy bill will decrease without affecting the productivity of your team. Some options are upgrading systems to optimize energy usage and making minor adjustments in daily operations.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting
Perhaps the fastest way to save electricity is to upgrade the lighting in your business. Traditional incandescent bulbs consumer the most energy, especially if you use them for a large space. Their replacement with LED or CFL bulbs can save up to 75% on all lighting expenses. These energy-efficient alternatives have a longer life, so you will spend less on replacements and maintenance. The installation of motion sensors or timed systems allows areas with low traffic, such as bathrooms and storage rooms, to use less power, while car parks could be lighted only when necessary.
Invest in Energy Management Systems
Energy management systems monitor the usage of energy in real time. Such a system keeps tabs on every usage pattern, allows understanding of where energy is being wasted, and makes proper adjustments in settings to minimize use during off-peak hours or not have equipment run when it’s not needed. With an EMS, you can manage HVAC systems, lighting, and electrical equipment to maintain energy efficiency automatically.
Upgrade Older Equipment
The older the machinery and office equipment, the more haphazardly it may perform compared to newer models. The more outdated the electrical systems or equipment used, the more electricity is required to accomplish tasks. Companies can cut down on the consumption of electricity by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and tooling, which alone can help lower their overall operational costs. For example, Energy Star-rated appliances use about half the energy of their standard counterparts. These upgrades often entail an up-front cost but usually pay for themselves in long-term savings.
Use Smart Thermostats
Heating and cooling can comprise a huge portion of energy costs for a business. Smart thermostats let you take much finer control over your HVAC system, automatically adjusting temperatures higher or lower based on occupancy or time of day. Program the thermostat to lower the temperature during off-hours, or adjust the temperature when rooms are not occupied, and you can save energy without compromising comfort.
Power Down Unused Devices During Long Breaks
Office equipment such as computers, printers, and monitors tend to stay on for most of the day. Though it doesn’t seem like a big deal, over time, it adds up. Encourage your employees to shut off equipment at the end of the day and during long breaks. You also can use power strips to turn off several devices at once.
At Paxton Electric, we’re happy to offer comprehensive commercial electrical services to your business in Rochester, MN to keep your system operating at an optimal level for savings. Contact us today!
