There are many ways to reduce the amount of electricity that you consume in your business. Lower usage means a lower electricity bill. Below are some quick tips plus links to informative resources.
HVAC
Your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning System (HVAC) is the number one power user in your business, accounting for 50% or more of your electricity usage. To keep your HVAC system running efficiently, inspect or replace your air filter regularly and have your system serviced twice a year (Spring and Fall) by a licensed professional.
Reduce your energy consumption by keeping your thermostat between 78°F and 80°F in the summer, and raise your thermostat when you leave for more than a couple hours. During the cold season, 68°F to 70°F is recommended. You can use a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home, and ceiling fans to keep cool.
Water Heater
Electric water heaters are the number two power user in most businesses, accounting for 15-20% of your electricity bill. You can save money by setting your water heater to the recommended temperature of 120°F and by reducing use. Reduce hot water usage by washing in cold water, installing low flow water spigots, and checking for plumbing leaks. Insulating your hot water pipes can reduce heat loss and raise your water temperature. And, if you are replacing your water heater, consider a tankless water heater, which eliminates the heat loss associated with conventional storage water heaters.
Programmable/Wi-Fi Thermostats
Installing a programmable thermostat lets you manage your business HVAC for optimum comfort. Want to make sure that the temperature is adjusted up when you leave every morning? And that it's adjusted down when you are on your way home? A programmable thermostat manages this for you. If you purchase a wi-fi thermostat, you can manage your temperature from your smart phone or tablet, ensuring the perfect temperature.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a great way to stay cool even with your thermostat set to a higher temperature. You know how good it feels to catch a cool breeze on a hot summer day? Ceiling fans work by creating a breeze in your room that speeds the evaporation process of perspiration, cooling your skin. Fans don't cool the room, they cool the people in the room – so when you leave the room, turn the ceiling fan off.
Ceiling fans can also help your energy efficiency in the winter. By reversing the direction of your ceiling fan, you can push warm air that has risen to the ceiling back down into the room. Most ceiling fans have a switch to reverse the direction of the fan blades.
Light Bulbs
Lowering your energy consumption can be as easy as changing a lightbulb. Lighting accounts for 10-14% of the average energy bill. Replace your incandescent light bulbs with LEDs in frequently used fixtures around your business. LEDs use less energy, plus they generate less heat than traditional bulbs.