QUICK STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO SAVE ON YOUR ENERGY BILL

Understanding Your Equipment

Understand what equipment is using the most energy in your business. Determine what equipment could be disconnected at certain times.

Energy Efficient

Determine if your equipment is energy efficient. If it is over 5 to 10 years old, chances are there is more efficient equipment on the market that could save you enough energy for you to afford the replacement in a very short pay back period.

Look at Your Lights

Replace your exit lights with upgraded energy efficient models. Replace T12 fluorescents and magnetic ballasts with T8 lamps and electronic ballasts and reduce energy use by 40%.

Humidity Control Systems

Install humidity control systems in large walk in refrigerators to reduce temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees.

Turn Up the Thermostat

In summer set the thermostat in your workspace to 25 degrees Celsius during work hours and raise the setting to 28 degrees when the space is unoccupied. The energy savings can be significant as much as 2 percent of your air conditioning costs for each degree that you raise the thermostat. In winter, set the thermostat to 20 degrees Celsius when the work place is occupied and 17 degrees Celsius after business hours.

Shade

Close window blinds to shade your space from direct sunlight.

Dress Code

Implement a dress code for warm weather. Allow employees to dress comfortably for warmer temperatures. Suit jackets and coats should not be necessary.

Workplace Schedules

Adjust workplace schedules to reduce energy use during the hours when there is the most demand for electricity.

Energy Efficient Ceiling Fans

Install energy efficient ceiling fans. Air movement can cool a room by up to 4 degrees.

Windows

Install window film, solar screens or awnings on south and west facing windows.

Regular Maintenance

Perform regular maintenance to keep heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems running more efficiently. Maintenance activities can save up to 30% of fan energy and up to 10% of space conditioning energy use.

Reduce Air Conditioner Use

Install an energy efficient attic fan or evaporative cooler. Attic fans or evaporative coolers help reduce or replace air conditioner use.

Talk with Your Landlord or Tenant

If you lease your space to a tenant or if you are a tenant, talk with your landlord or tenant about energy efficiency. If you work together and perhaps even share the costs to improve energy efficiency, landlords can improve the value of their property and renters can reduce their electricity bills.

LED Lights

If you decorate your business with decorative lights for holidays, consider replacing them with LED lights which can result in an 85% reduction in energy costs.

LED Models

Consider replacing any Exit signs with LED models.