With ever-increasing operating expenses, saving on energy has become an easy and effective way for businesses to reduce costs. Even small improvements in the way you use energy can have a large impact on your bottom line.
The eight, low-cost/no-cost energy-saving tips that follow can help lower energy use and increase your bottom line.
Minimize Artificial Lighting
Turn off lights in unoccupied areas including restrooms, offices, the lunch room, and so on. Use occupancy sensors or label light switches so employees know which lights to turn on and which lights to turn off. Also, keep windows clean; dirty windows can increase lighting costs by reducing the amount of natural light that enters the building.
Power Down Electronic Equipment
Just a single computer and monitor left on overnight and on weekends can add $30 or more to your annual energy bill. Other office equipment, including printers and copiers, draw electricity when left on and should have their power management features enabled. If no power management features are installed, simply turn them off when not in use or at the end of the day. This can reduce energy consumption by 25%.
Control Heating and Air Conditioning
Reducing heating temperatures by one or two degrees in winter and increasing cooling temperatures by one or two degrees in summer can cut heating and cooling bills by 8% or more, according to the U. S. Department of Energy. For a small upfront cost, a programmable thermostat will allow you to reduce heating and cooling costs by 10% to 15%. Be sure to locate your programmable thermostat away from drafts, direct sunlight, or any other heat source, and be sure that doors and windows remain closed when heating or air conditioning equipment is in use.
Close the Cooler Door
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, $6 is added to your energy bill for every hour a freezer door remains open. That may not sound like a lot, but think of how many times a day freezer and cooler doors are propped open for stocking. It may be best to establish a set time for stocking and inventory. Consider installing PVC curtains or night blinds on refrigerated coolers to limit the escape of cold air.
(Copy provided by Duke Energy.)