Energy-Saving Tips for Your Business

There are many steps—big and small—that you can take to ensure your company uses less energy. Sometimes it involves a physical change to your facility or equipment, such as with lighting or heating and cooling. But it can also be as simple as changing the way you work.

And if you're looking for a place to start, use our free online Business Energy Analyzer, which helps you identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency and lower electricity costs.

Heating and Cooling

Heating and cooling are responsible for the majority of your energy costs. 

Quick, Low-Cost Fixes

• Adjust your thermostat 7° to 10°F for eight hours a day and you could save up to 10% on your bill. A programmable thermostat can do this automatically. Place covers on your thermostats to ensure your desired temperature settings are maintained. Use ceiling and room fans to help circulate air. A ceiling fan can make a room feel up to 10° cooler, due to the wind chill effect on your skin.
• Control the heat from the sun. During cooling season, block the sun by closing blinds or drapes on the east and west sides of your facility. During heating season, unobstructed windows on the southern side can contribute solar heat. Strategically plant trees or use solar screens to block the sun’s heat appropriately. 
• Have HVAC filters cleaned or replaced on the recommended schedule. Make sure registers, baseboard heaters and radiators are clean and clear of furniture or drapes.
• The average duct system leaks 15 to 20% of air flow. Keep your systems in shape by asking service technicians to check for leaks, faulty filters or other issues.

Invest to Save

• Choose high efficiency products when you shop for new heating and cooling equipment. These independently certified products are up to 15% more efficient than conventional models. You may be eligible for incentives, depending on where your business is located.
• Improve insulation in ceilings and walls to decrease temperature control needs.
• Enroll in an incentive to offset the cost of tuition.

Equipment

Quick, Low-Cost Fixes

• Ask employees to set computers to sleep mode after 30 minutes of inactivity. Use the same standards for printers and copiers. This could save you from $50 to $150 annually per device.
• Encourage employees to unplug devices that aren’t in use. Even in sleep mode, computers and other electronics use energy. “Energy vampires” such as these can add more than 10% to your business electricity bill.
• Encourage employees to unplug mobile phone chargers when the phone is fully charged or the chargers are not in use.

Invest to Save

• Consider a switch from desktop to laptop computers, which use considerably less energy.
• Purchase ENERGY STAR® certified computers, printers, copiers and other equipment. These models are up to 65% more efficient than nonqualified machines. You may be eligible for our incentives, depending on where your business is located. 
• Use advanced power strips to make switching off unused electronics easier. Plug load controllers can use a motion sensor that’s incorporated with a surge suppressor to shut down inactive equipment when a cubicle or office is empty.