5 Tips for Reducing Energy Bills in Your Business

When it comes to reducing energy bills in your business, preventing wastage of resources and conserving energy are some of the best strategies you can employ. Conserving energy can bring operational cost savings of up to 20 percent irrespective of whether your business uses liquefied petroleum, gas or electricity. Besides lowering your energy bills and saving you money, conserving energy and preventing wastage in business is the environment-friendly thing to do. 

But, how do you conserve energy, reduce wastage and support environmental protection? Here are five handy energy saving tips you can use to go green and save money in your business. 

1. Adjust your heating and cooling temperatures

Adjust heating and cooling temperatures in your business appropriately to save on energy costs, depending on the time of season it is. For example, simply reducing your office heating temperatures by just one degree during the winter months can cut your annual business heating bill by up to 10 percent. 

Set office air conditioners to come on only when temperatures reach 24°C. Position office thermostats away from direct sunlight and draughts to ensure they read accurately. Hire test equipment to check your hot-water tanks and pipes and insulate the tanks where appropriate. 

2. Use movement detectors and timer switches

Electronic office equipment like photocopiers, printers and shredders usually have built-in energy saving features. Use these energy saving features to reduce energy consumption in the business. Also, use movement detectors and timer switches to ensure office equipment and lights only operate when and where they are needed. You may hire test equipment to check timer switches and movement detectors for faults that may prevent your equipment and systems to function as required.

3. Service business systems and equipment 

Properly serviced and maintained office systems and equipment give more efficient use of energy. Service and repair broken cooling and heating systems in the business periodically. This will reduce energy bills and save operational costs. Also, schedule regular maintenance and repair tasks for boilers, refrigerators, ovens, freezers, escalators and even lifts to make sure everything is in perfect condition and not wasting energy. 

4. Replace old and broken office equipment and systems 

Old and broken business equipment and systems can cause unnecessary high power usage. Replace heating and cooling systems that are more than 10 years and broken equipment like air conditioners and printers. Also, replace high wattage, 38-millimetre fluorescent tubes with lower wattage, 26-millimetre fluorescent tubes. Replacing old heating and cooling systems and equipment can save up to 40 percent of your business annual energy costs. 

5. Involve your staff in energy conservation 

Finally; involve your staff in your business energy conservation efforts. Ask your employees to minimise power usage in the office by switching off lights and equipment when they are not in use. Request them to turn off refrigerators when they don’t contain perishable foods overnight. Encouraging an energy saving culture among your staff can have a profound impact on energy conservation and save you a lot of money.