8 Simple Ways to Reduce Business Energy Costs

Monthly energy costs for an office space can increase dramatically if proper management steps aren't taken throughout normal hours. In this guide, you'll discover eight strategies that can help you decrease and conserve energy in a typical business environment.

Get a General Energy Audit

An energy audit is a process that helps business owners better understand which devices and fixtures are consuming the most energy. The big benefit is that many utility companies in major cities provide free energy audits to their customers. One energy audit can help you

• Monitor excessive energy usage
• Boost energy efficiency
• Decrease electric bills

Shut Off Daily Equipment

There are many devices in an office that constantly consume electricity. Some products may seem like they're powered down, but they continue to drain energy. The only way to stop this problem is by unplugging certain devices or by activating sleep mode. If you're going to take advantage of sleep mode, ensure that it activates when a device isn't used in under five minutes or less.

A scouting routine is an easy way to ensure that nothing consumes energy after hours. Whoever tackles this routine will have to take a quick tour every night around the office. The first stop should be the break room because the following items in this space can continuously pull energy while they're connected to a power outlet:

• Coffeemakers
• TVs
• Radios
• Microwaves

Brighten Spaces With Natural Light

Natural light from the sun can help you reduce daily energy consumption in the morning and afternoon because it's a free lighting source. Instead of turning on lamps and other fixtures, open all blinds or curtains, and let natural light shine throughout the office.

Replace Regular Bulbs With Energy-Efficient Lighting

LED bulbs and CLF bulbs are very long-lasting and energy-efficient. If one of these bulbs shines for at least 10 hours in your office, you'll save about one dollar a day on the energy bill. Typically, if this is multiplied, the annual savings are quite dramatic.

Besides the reduced energy costs, CLF and LED bulbs also offer another perk. Because both of these bulbs last 50 times longer than traditional bulbs, you won't have to consistently buy replacement bulbs.

Install Motion Detectors and Smart Dimmers

In the United States, lighting makes up a generous portion of monthly electricity costs. Typically, when lighting is used in a busy office, light fixtures account for about 20 percent of an average energy bill. This is why all businesses need motion detectors and dimmers.

A motion detector is a smart device that controls lighting when forgetful employees fail to shut off switches upon exiting a space. It uses a sensor to detect when people roam around an environment and when no one is in a space.

Dimmers gradually adjust the lighting intensity in an office. These tools are helpful because they manage energy consumption in a smart way by lowering lighting levels.

Place a Programmable Thermostat in the Office

Programmable tech for office spaces gives users more control and options. In a commercial building, a smart thermostat provides big perks since it helps conserve energy on the go.

An HVAC system runs around the clock to circulate air everywhere in an office. The problem is that continuous operations can lead to a high energy bill. A programmable thermostat strategically enhances demanding AC equipment because it gives a user the ability to control heating and cooling cycles while out of an office. For example, while no one is in your office, you can shut off the system remotely using a smartphone app for a programmable thermostat. Then, you could set the system so that it will activate shortly before everyone enters the building.

Use Accessories to Keep Heat Out

Trapping heat is a practical way to maintain a reasonably low energy bill. When hot air stays in an office longer, an HVAC system's heating cycle will activate less often, and this reduces energy usage. To help heat linger around your office, install weather-stripping, films, and screens in locations where air could escape.

By going green, you could take your savings to the next level. If you want to buy solar equipment, Gem Energy Darwin Solar Power has great products for an office space.

Trudy Seeger is a editor and writer. He has worked with multiple publications over years and focuses on providing informative & educational material.Read more about great American eclipse here