June 2022 Newsletter
Save your business money with these energy saving tips
There is just no way for small businesses to avoid overhead costs completely. But there are ways companies can lower these costs, especially energy costs. With the summer months ahead of us, it’s the perfect time to make sure your building is operating efficiently. These straightforward measures have the potential to save significant amounts of energy, leaving you with more money for your business.
- HVAC system maintenance. Air conditioner usage ramps up during the summer months, so it’s important to conduct a tune-up of your HVAC system before each cooling (and heating) season. By being proactive with maintenance and repairs, you can save energy and a substantial amount of money while potentially extending the life of your system. It’s a great idea to turn temperature settings up during unoccupied hours. Also, avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you first turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your business any faster and could result in excessive cooling and an unnecessary expense. An electrician can automate these settings with programmable thermostats or a building automation system.
- Turn off and upgrade lighting. Turn off the lights to lower your energy use and cool your building. Energy-efficient light bulbs can use up to 80 percent less energy than conventional lighting and last up to 25 times longer. Install dimmers and occupancy sensors in proper locations to automatically turn off lighting.
- Consider solar power. Solar power can offer your business long-term price certainty that can protect against rising costs and regulatory changes. Many businesses can apply for solar power tax credits or incentives, making it easier to cover the upfront cost of solar power. Consumers often value companies with sustainable practices, so becoming green can improve your brand reputation as well.
- Turn off the machines. Many businesses have specific power requirements that can’t always be reduced simply by using the facilities less but office computer monitors are an easy way to save on your business’s energy bill. Ensure monitors are set on automatic sleep mode or are manually turned off when not in use. Consider adding power strips throughout the space as well so printers and copy machines that drain energy when not in use can be completely shut off. Some public utility companies offer rebates if you buy energy-saving equipment for your business, which might be worth checking out as you explore how to save energy at your business.
- Conduct an energy audit. An energy audit of a business is an analysis of the cost and efficiency of energy usage within a company. An energy audit looks for ways a business can minimize energy waste and make energy improvements. Energy audits don’t have to be complex, expensive or time-consuming. Business owners can conduct an effective, free energy audit of their business’s energy usage by simply walking around the building and taking meter readings. This will keep an eye on the energy consumption and identity areas where savings can be made.
Implementing these energy tips at your facility will help reduce costs, save energy, and make running the business more profitable. Gray Connective can guide you on the best upgrades to reduce power consumption, cut your electric bills, and minimize your energy overheads.
Gray Connective is a commercial and industrial electrical contractor serving the greater Lehigh Valley and western New Jersey for over three decades. We offer companies the ability to work with confidence and peace of mind through our electrical solutions and competitive prices.
Contact Gray Connective today to make your business more energy efficient.
