10 Energy Saving Tips - Small steps to save your business money.

According to ENERGY STAR®, the nation’s small businesses spend more than $60 billion a year on energy. Becoming more energy efficient is not only good for the environment but it can help your business save money. Implementing some of these tips is a great way to cut your utility bills.

1. Tune-up the HVAC system. Set up an annual maintenance contract to check that things are working correctly. Regularly change or clean HVAC filters to ensure they are working properly.
2. Adjust the thermostat. Keeping your thermostat at a constant temperature while away is a waste of energy. When the office is closed, set your thermostat a few degrees lower if using heat, and set it higher if using air conditioning. Adjusting your thermostat setting just one degree typically can save 2-3% on costs. You can also control the direct sun through windows in both summer and winter to prevent heat gain by installing window shades.
3. Consider installing occupancy sensor controls. Occupancy sensors automatically turn off lighting in unoccupied spaces such as classrooms, conference rooms, public spaces and offices. Potential savings from motion sensor controls vary greatly, but one study found daylight control strategies can save an average of 30% of energy used.
4. Replace existing light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and light emitting diode (LED) lights consume less power and offer much longer lifespans. Replace incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® qualified bulbs where appropriate. These lights can reduce your office’s energy consumption by up to 75% and increase the lifespan of your fixtures by two to three times.
5. Print less. Printing is a habit that’s hard to break. Excess printing wastes paper and the electricity needed to run the machine. Printing less will also extend the lifespan of your printer.
6. Switch off equipment when not in use. Switch off all printers, scanners, microwaves, lights, coffee machines, etc. during weekends and holidays. Switching machines to “off” after working hours will conserve energy and reduce your energy bill.
7. Check your windows. If it’s time to replace the windows, consider double paned glass. Although more expensive upfront, about 25% of all the energy we use to heat escapes through single-glazed windows. If your windows are in good condition, check for air leaks, caulk and weatherstrip any gaps.
8. Fix leaking faucets. One faucet leaking two drops of water per second wastes 200 gallons of water in a month. And if it’s dripping hot water that affects the heating bill too. Make sure you turn faucets all the way off, if it doesn’t stop the leak have it fixed.
9. Turn off your computer at night. The “sleep” mode on your computer still draws energy the entire time the device is idling. While it may be more convenient to leave your computer on in sleep mode when you are only away for short times, using sleep mode when away for a long time wastes more energy and will cost you money in the long term.
10. Get the team involved. Bringing down energy costs is a group effort. Consider throwing a pizza party or some other thank you when you notice your bills going down.

If you are interested in learning more about these and other cost saving energy tips, contact Glowacki Management Company today.