Energy efficiency is a top priority for all facility managers. It accounts for nearly 40% of your annual costs. Therefore, your energy consumption should be a serious consideration for everyone involved in the strategic planning of your building. Mapping out your energy costs at the beginning of the year is a great first step in effectively managing usage and efficiency.
As we get closer to 2021, your facility should start planning for energy maintenance. Here are a couple of strategies to plan for and budget your energy usage:
Account for expenses by month.
Data from the current and past years can help you determine the approximate energy usage month-by-month in comparison to your expected revenue. Depending on our location, the winter or summer months may be more costly in terms of energy usage. However, this may not coincide with your business’ busy months. By better understanding the connection between building output and energy use, you can effectively prepare for the new year.
Plan ahead for weather changes.
In Tampa, Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, we experience a long summer season. From early April to mid-October, our clients’ HVAC systems must work hard to keep commercial facilities cool. This is also the season where hurricanes and tropical storms are a threat, which means some facilities will see increased energy costs from backup generator usage. It is important to prepare for these increased costs and invest in energy efficiency before these critical months.
Consider service life and maintenance of current equipment.
Your annual costs aren’t just reflected in the power bill. They are also reflected in maintenance costs based on the service life and past repairs. Review your maintenance plan with a MaintenX team member to plan for equipment services, upgrades, and potential repairs. This will give you a more complete picture of your annual maintenance costs related to energy usage.
Look for ways to save.
This year, many businesses have been hit with financial setbacks. While it may feel as if you’re still in “survival” mode, it is still a good idea to think about cost-saving for the future. Energy-efficient HVAC systems, plumbing upgrades, and renewable energy sources can all contribute to cost savings on your monthly power bill. When strategizing for 2021, energy should be at the top of your list of priorities.
Energy-efficient buildings perform better than inefficient buildings across the board. If you are interested in maintenance and appliance installation services to save on your energy bill, contact MaintenX today!
