Most small businesses will agree that energy costs are their most unpredictable expense. Since a high percentage of energy consumption is in the form of electricity, here’s a list that can help your business minimize energy consumption.
1. Add insulation to your space
You can minimise your business heating and cooling costs by sealing air leaks within the site. Adding insulation in the area will allow you to do so. How much you need to insulate your attic depends on the size of your space. The climate in your area is another factor.
2. Install solar panels
Aside from adding insulation, installing solar panels can help you improve your business’ energy efficiency. Solar panels are not cheap. But they are an excellent investment that will bring you more significant savings. You can click here to find the highest-quality solar panels to install in your business site.
Installing solar panels might also help you become eligible for annual tax incentives. They are usually mounted on the roof and independently produce energy. If you consider using solar panels in the future, learn about their do’s and don’ts beforehand.
3. Unplug unused devices
Most people are unaware that unplugged devices are still consuming electricity even without using them. Once the devices are switched off, users tend to leave them connected to the power source. Aside from wasting electricity, it also has the potential to cause accidents. So, make sure to unplug your devices after using them.
For instance, an unused charger consumes an average of 0.26 watts and 2.24 watts when connected to a device. So, imagine leaving several devices plugged in for a long time. It could gradually add to the monthly utility bill.
4. Perform an energy audit
Another way to improve your business’ energy efficiency is to hire a professional energy auditor to check your site for wasted energy and inefficiencies. A professional will assess your business establishment to identify areas for improvement and tell you savings opportunities. Usually, auditors charge by your site’s square footage or per hour.
5. Tune up your HVAC system
Make sure that your HVAC is running efficiently by conducting an annual tune-up. A professional will ensure that your heating and cooling system’s parts are correctly lubricated, connections are tightened, and coils are cleaned during the tune-up. Aside from improving your HVAC’s efficiency, it will also allow you to avoid expensive repairs or replacements.
6. Replace your desktop computer
It might sound ridiculous, but experts say that replacing your computer every four years is necessary. If you are opting for a more energy saving computer, consider buying a laptop when the time comes.
You can save up to 80% on electricity by using a laptop. These devices might not be cheap, but they draw a maximum of only 60 watts. It is far less than the 175 watts consumption of most desktop computers.
Takeaway
Improving the energy efficiency of your business is easier than you can imagine. If you can’t cut back on usage, adding a free, alternative energy source like solar panels is also an excellent way to improve energy efficiency.