Times are tough for businesses across America. With months of closures creating high demand and fewer available resources, many businesses are looking for ways to cut costs that don’t affect their already struggling employees. One of the ways in which you can reduce your expenses long-term is to stop wasting energy at your facility.
The EPA’s ENERGY STAR program has studied the effects of energy misuse in commercial facilities, and estimates that up to 30% of energy consumption is wasted. When energy consumption is your biggest expense, this 30% is a big deal. You could be wasting hundreds or thousands of dollars every month from inefficient electrical and HVAC systems. However, there are many solutions to reducing that percentage.
If you follow these three tips, you can easily cut your energy expenses and reinvest in your business:
Don’t consume what you don’t use.
Studies have shown that during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S> commercial facilities have only been able to reduce their energy consumption by an average of 22% despite widespread closures. This is a testament to the amount of energy we waste by simply consuming what we don’t use. Whether you are currently closed or not, you can reduce waste by simply thinking about your consumption and not overusing energy sources. Don’t spend on heating or cooling areas of your facility that are unoccupied, and make an effort to minimize electricity use whenever possible.
Study your energy use.
Understanding the data on your energy use will help you make better management decisions for your facility. Sit down and look at the numbers to determine what is costing you the most, and develop energy conservation projects around these major expenses. You should also include information on maintenance expenses, because they can indicate areas of weakness in your HVAC and electrical systems.
Upgrade your equipment.
Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems can make a major impact in your monthly expenses. ENERGY STAR provides comprehensive information on the best appliances and systems for commercial facilities, as well as information on government rebates you can receive when you make the switch. Upgrading to energy-efficient systems can not only reduce your long-term expenses, but can get you a great return in incentive programs.
These steps will help you reduce your costs, keep your employees during COVID-19, and positively impact your facility long-term. For more information on commercial energy-efficiency, contact your local MaintenX team!
