As a business owner, I know that electricity costs can take a big bite out of my bottom line. However, there are some effective yet little-known ways I can reduce my commercial electricity usage and costs. In this comprehensive guide, I will share my top tips and tricks for slashing my business's electricity bill.
Perform an Energy Audit
The first step is to understand exactly where and how I am using electricity in my commercial space. An energy audit conducted by a professional can uncover areas of waste and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
During the audit, the auditor will:
- Examine my building envelope (windows, doors, insulation, etc.) for leaks and gaps.
- Assess the efficiency of my lighting systems and controls.
- Inspect my HVAC equipment and settings.
- Check my major appliances and mechanical systems.
- Look for "phantom" loads from equipment drawing power even when turned off.
Armed with this data, I can target my energy efficiency efforts for maximum savings. Audits typically cost $300-$1,000 but I could earn that back quickly from implementing the recommended measures.
Upgrade to LED Lighting
One of the fastest paybacks I can get is from upgrading my lighting to efficient LED bulbs and fixtures. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.
Here are some easy ways I can start cutting my lighting costs:
- Replace outdated halogen and CFL bulbs with LEDs.
- Install LED tube lights and high-bay fixtures to replace fluorescents.
- Add occupancy sensors, timers, and daylight harvesting controls.
- Focus on high-use areas like entryways, parking lots, signs, and displays.
I may qualify for utility rebates that significantly reduce my upfront costs for LED fixtures and controls. Over time, the energy savings really add up.
Adjust HVAC Settings
Heating and cooling accounts for over 40% of a commercial building's energy use. So optimizing my HVAC system settings and usage is essential.
Some ways I can improve efficiency include:
- Installing a programmable thermostat to lower temperatures when closed.
- Setting cooling to 78°F and heating to 68°F when occupied.
- Regularly replacing air filters to improve performance.
- Having an HVAC technician inspect and tune-up the equipment annually.
- Sealing air leaks around ductwork to prevent energy waste.
I can also consider adding ceiling fans to improve air circulation and an economizer cycle to use outside air for cooling. Investing in a new high-efficiency HVAC system may pay for itself in just a few years through utility rebates and lower operating costs.
Utilize Smart Power Strips
Plugging in too many electronics and leaving them in "idle" mode can drain a surprising amount of power. Smart power strips combat this by cutting power automatically when devices are not in active use.
I should install these smart strips in my office areas and connect devices like:
- Computers and monitors
- Printers, copiers, and scanners
- Charging stations for phones and laptops
- Digital signs, speakers, and displays
When the main device goes into sleep mode or turns off, the rest switch off too. This stops the passive power drain and can reduce total consumption by up to 25%, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Change Behavior and Enable Conservation
Some commercial electricity savings require changes in occupant behavior and company culture. I can engage my staff by:
- Holding energy awareness training and setting conservation goals.
- Posting reminders to switch off lights and equipment.
- Adjusting thermostats and closing blinds at the end of each workday.
- Recognizing employees who generate energy savings ideas.
My utility provider likely offers free educational resources and tools to help track usage and savings over time. With everyone on board, I can maximize the impact of my efficiency efforts.
Consider On-Site Solar
On-site solar power generation can zero out a portion of my electric bill, while also protecting against utility rate hikes. The upfront cost of a commercial solar system ranges from $15,000-$40,000 after incentives, with a payback period as low as 4-6 years.
Key factors I will evaluate are:
- Available roof or ground space for panels.
- Current energy needs and future expansion plans.
- Expected federal tax credits and local utility rebates.
- Monitoring options - some systems sync with smart meters.
Solar works best when paired with energy efficiency upgrades like those already discussed. This reduces the required system size while still meeting my lowered electric demand.
With the strategies outlined above, I now have a blueprint to significantly cut my business's energy costs. Being proactive about energy management will help improve my bottom line while also reducing my environmental footprint. Contact my utility provider and efficiency experts to start assessing options and incentives available. Then I can start implementing changes immediately to maximize savings.