Negosentro.com | 8 Energy Saving Tips for Your Small Business | Utility bills are one of the largest components of most small businesses’ overhead costs. Finding ways to reduce energy costs can improve your bottom line and benefit the environment. These 8 tips will help your small business save money on energy costs.
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Upgrade Your Appliances
If you have an older model refrigerator in the breakroom, water-guzzling toilets, an out-of-date HVAC system or old water heater, you could save substantial amounts on your energy bills by swapping out your old-appliances for energy-efficient models. A water heater company in West Hollywood can replace your old water heater with an Energy Star certified model that could save you hundreds of dollars a year on your utility bills. Check with your local appliance vendors to learn more about how Energy Star certified appliances can benefit your business.
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Buy Energy-Efficient Office Equipment
Energy Star ratings are not just for appliances. Office equipment, such as printers, copiers, computers and other electrical equipment is also available in Energy Star certified models that can help you save on the electricity it takes to keep your office running.
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Install Programmable Thermostats
Running the heat and air at the same level when nobody is in the office as when everyone is working is a big waste of energy. Rather than relying on someone to turn down the thermostat when they leave the office, install programmable thermostats and set them to automatically adjust the temperature during the hours your office is unoccupied.
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Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs and Turn Off the Lights
Traditional office lighting can burn a lot of energy, particularly if you are leaving the lights on when no one is using the room. Consider installing lights with sensors that can detect when someone is in a room and turn off when the room is empty. Switching to CFL or LED bulbs can save you a lot of energy when the lights are on and as a bonus, they do not need to be replaced as often as incandescent bulbs. Do not forget areas such as break rooms and bathrooms. If your office has good natural lighting, take advantage of it by not turning on the artificial lighting on days when you do not need it.
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Turn Off Your Computers
Make sure your employees power down their computers, monitors and other equipment at the end of the workday. This includes small appliances, such as the coffee pot in the breakroom. Unplugging equipment can save you a bit of extra money because electronics continue to draw a small amount of energy even when they are not powered on. It may also protect you from power surges from lightning strikes that could occur while the office is closed.
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Plant Some Trees
Planting trees around your building can provide shade that can reduce your cooling costs in the summer and block the wind, reducing your heating costs in the winter. Additionally, planting trees is good for air quality and helps out the planet.
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Get Your Employees On Board
The more you can get your employees invested in conserving energy, the more savings you are likely to realize. Be sure to provide plenty of education and training on energy-saving practices. Post reminders around the office. Solicit energy-saving ideas from your staff. Make a focus on energy conservation one of the traits you look for in new employees. You can also try offering some kind of incentive or making it part of your company initiative to reduce your negative impact on the environment.
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Obtain an Energy Audit
If you need some more ideas on how to save energy, you can ask your electric company to do an energy audit. They will perform a professional inspection and advise you of any energy-wasting issues they discover and suggest ways you can reduce your energy usage.
High utility costs can be a major drain on your profits. These tips can help you reduce your energy consumption, which will improve your bottom line and help out the planet.
