Just like an individual wants to save as much money as they can on their bills, so does a business. Companies can end up spending quite a bit of money a month for their utility expenses. However, there are ways for businesses to reduce the amount they spend monthly.
Before you can understand how companies can become eco-friendly and sustainable, you need to see ways they can reduce their energy usage; you need to see what options are available to lower their utility bills to a reasonable amount.
Keep reading for the top six ways for businesses to lower their utility bills.
1. Make the Switch to Solar
One of the best ways to reduce your utility bills as a business is to make the switch to solar power. Solar energy is becoming quite a resource for both individuals and businesses. It is clean, renewable energy that is free.
Solar panels will most likely be an expensive up-front cost, but the benefits over the next several years will be worth it. Solar power lasts longer and has few maintenance problems than other forms of energy. Do you need solar power? Visit AGL or another energy provider to better understand the benefits of renewable energy. They can assist you in your solar options and tailor the right system for you and your business needs.
2. Use Smart/Programmable Thermostats
Smart thermostats are Wi-Fi and mobile connected, while programmable thermostats allow you to set workdays and weekends differently. Both can save you a good bit on your heating and cooling costs each year. Individual devices can sense when you have left the office and will automatically save more energy until you return. They are great features that can lower your utility bill drastically.
3. Install Motion Sensors & LED Lights
Another way to save on your utility bill is to install both motion sensors and LED lights. Lighting can account for 20% of the electricity used in commercial buildings. Consider installing motion detectors in areas that are not frequently used. When the lights are on, make sure they are illuminating with energy efficient light bulbs such as Energy Star LED lights. LED bulbs can save you money on your utility bill as well as provide light for many years to come.
4. Perform an Energy Audit
Another excellent way to lower your monthly utility bills is to see if you, as a business, are using your energy efficiently. One way to do this is to have an energy audit performed. An energy audit can assist you in seeing where your money is going each month. Utility companies usually offer this service to their commercial clients for free. If you know where the money is going, you can investigate ways to increase your energy efficiency, which will lower your electricity usage and spending.
5. Power Down Unused Equipment and Computers
Did you know that all the company computers, printers, monitors, and other equipment that is left on overnight can consume a significant amount of power? The best way to tackle this issue is to make sure the equipment is either in ‘sleep mode’ or that you turn it off nightly as you are leaving. This way you will not be paying for electricity that you are not using. This will decrease your utility bill dramatically.
6. Purchase Energy Efficient Office Equipment
The last tip to lower your commercial utility bill is to buy energy efficient office equipment.
If your fax machine, scanner, copier, or other office equipment is getting up there in age, you may need to replace it at some point in the future.
When you do, make sure to look for Energy Star models as they can save you a significant percentage of energy usage. They automatically hibernate if there has been an extended amount of inactivity with the device. This suggestion may cost you a bit up front to replace all of the appliances, but you will still be reaping the benefits many years later as the energy savings will be tremendous.
Why is it Crucial for Businesses to Have Reduced Utility Usage?
Utilities can be expensive, especially if you have a large company with hundreds of employees. If all the employees have a cubicle or desk with a computer, that is a significant amount of devices that have energy surging through them, especially at night when no one is in the building. Companies need to have reduced utility usage to not only save money on expenses but to also monitor the amount of energy they are using as to not waste it.
Whether you turn the lights off when you are not in the room, or you install solar panels, money can be saved by using these tips and tricks. By doing so, you will see fewer energy expenses and more savings to your bank account every month as well as a significant switch to renewable and sustainable energy!