Do these things to save on your small business energy costs:
● Properly maintain your HVAC system
● Use smart technology
● Time your energy use
● Foster an energy-conscious culture
Start your new year off with resolutions to revamp your energy habits and save money for your business! Here are four New Year’s resolutions that can help you lower your energy bill and establish your business as a sustainability leader.
Resolution: Optimize the efficiency of HVAC systems.
Properly maintained HVAC systems operate more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and extending the HVAC system’s lifespan. Make it happen:
- Clean or replace air filters and check for leaks every few months. Schedule regular maintenance with a professional HVAC service at least twice a year.
- Consider upgrading to programmable thermostats that can automatically adjust temperatures during non-business hours.
- Train staff to report HVAC issues promptly and create a maintenance checklist.
Resolution: Use smart and efficient technology.
Consider implementing energy management systems that allow you to monitor and control devices remotely and easily spot and diagnose issues. Make it happen:
- Install and use smart thermostats, lighting controls, and power strips.
- Adopt motion sensors in common areas to ensure that lights and equipment are used only when needed.
- Look into incentives to save on energy efficiency upgrades.
Resolution: Time your energy use.
When you use electricity matters as much as how much electricity you use. Most businesses have the highest electricity rates from 4−9 p.m. every day, including weekends and holidays. Businesses on a Time-of-Use rate plan can make small adjustments to energy use for significant bill savings. Make it happen:
- Log in to your PG&E Small & Medium Businesses account to determine your rate plan and which hours you should reduce energy use for maximum savings.
- Run major appliances and precool or preheat your business outside higher priced hours, typically 4−9 p.m.
- Educate employees about Time-of-Use best practices.
Resolution: Foster an Energy-Conscious Culture
Empower your employees to contribute to energy-saving efforts. Building a culture of sustainability within your business can lead to long-term behavioral changes and greater energy efficiency. Consider implementing incentive programs to reward employees for energy-saving initiatives. Make it happen:
- Train employees about the importance of energy conservation and encourage simple practices such as turning off lights, computers, and other equipment when they aren’t in use.
- Implement regular communication and reminders of energy-saving practices.
- Consider implementing incentive programs to reward employees for energy-saving initiatives.
Take the first step today toward these resolutions for a greener and more cost-effective future for your small business!
