Energy Tips for Businesses
Using less energy means you can increase your bottom line and save energy at the same time. Tracking your energy costs can help you understand how your business consumes energy.
The information you gather from reviewing your energy usage can help you apply certain guidelines within your business to save energy. Paying attention to how you use energy and simply turning things off when they are not in use can save a lot of money. Keeping up on routine maintenance on office equipment can also ensure the safe and efficient operation of your energy consuming systems and appliances.
Office Equipment
- Turn off your office equipment and lights every night and weekend. If you can't turn off the whole computer, turn off the monitor and the printer. Develop a procedure to ensure that they get turned off at night and on weekends.
- Purchase ENERGY STAR® computers and peripherals that "power down" after a period of inactivity.
- Use laptop computers and inkjet printers — they consume 90 percent less energy than standard desktop computers and laser printers.
Lighting
- Retrofit T12 lights with magnetic ballasts to T8 or T5 lights with electronic ballasts.
- Replace incandescent lamps with CFL's (compact fluorescent lamps).
- Install motion detectors to control lighting in frequently unoccupied areas, such as restrooms, conference rooms and private offices.
- Retrofit incandescent or fluorescent exit signs with long-lasting, low-energy LED exit signs.
HVAC
- Set thermostats at 75 degrees F for cooling in the summer and 68 degrees F for heating in the winter.
- Install programmable thermostats with "lockout" codes to prevent tampering with predetermined temperature settings.
- Regularly clean condenser coils, replace air filters, and check ducts and pipe insulation for damage.
- When replacing old HVAC systems, consider upgrading to higher energy-efficient units.
- Install blinds or solar screen shades. Use reflective window film or awnings on all east, west and south-facing windows.
- Install ceiling and wall insulation.
- Insulate hot water supply lines.
Refrigeration
- Perform scheduled maintenance on units, especially keeping evaporator coils clean and free of ice build-up.
- Adjust door latches, replace worn door gaskets, install auto-closers, and vinyl strip curtains to walk-in doors.
- Use night covers on both vertical and horizontal display cases.