Cost savings remains one of the most critical concerns of small businesses. As entrepreneurs try to facilitate efficiency, they have to get more done and generate maximum revenue at a minimal cost. And energy usage adds up significantly to every company's expenditure.
If you've been incurring outrageous energy bills monthly, not to worry; you can cut down the cost dramatically by taking the following steps:
One of the best ways to slash your monthly electric bills is to purchase energy-efficient devices. Indeed, some appliances use energy more than others. So it's worth checking the energy efficiency of every device before you buy.
From light bulbs and fans to office electronics, look for ENERGY STAR-rated ones.
If you have tinted glass windows, then it's advisable to allow natural light to come in so you can switch off the bulbs.
Not all offices may have access to direct sunlight, but those that do will significantly impact your overall energy bill.
What's more, natural sunlight tends to increase productivity.
This is one of the best energy-saving tips suitable for every 9-5 workspace. You see, you don't need to heat or cool the office when there's no one in there. So it's best to program the thermostat to work less or stop after closing hours and crank up just before work resumes.
Your heating and cooling system is one of the major energy drains in every regular office. But the worst thing is that a faulty HVAC may overwork itself in an attempt to give off the desired output, thereby wasting energy.
For instance, a dirty filter will reduce the HVAC's airflow and raise your utility bills as it tries to compensate for the loss. If there are refrigerant leaks, the HVAC will have to stay on longer and use more energy.
A faulty thermostat may also make your office too warm or cold. Once you notice the system has become defective, get help from HVAC repair services near you ASAP. The longer those excesses go unchecked, the more they impact your monthly electric bill.
This goes without saying and works just as well in your household.
However, for offices, it may be more challenging to control since there are different employees, offices, and departments. You might not be able to go round and check what's in use and what's not. It becomes crucial that you instill a company culture of being energy conscious in your team. Put off lights in bathrooms, conference rooms, and other spaces until they're occupied. And they should be switched off once the individual leaves the room.
The same applies to computers that are currently not in use.
Phantom energy is a research-validated cause of increased electrical bills that arise from appliances that are turned off but still plugged in. About 25% of your total energy bills may result from phantom energy.
One way to counter phantom energy is to have many devices connected to a surge protector so that one switch will shut everything down, allowing no energy use even while they're plugged.
Office Energy-saving tips are not for the CEO alone. To make your efforts effective, get your team involved. Let them understand that switching off devices is for the company's good and not just an additional task or inconvenience.