For small businesses, every expense can mean the difference between success and failure. The best businesses can maximize the use of every penny, making sure there aren’t any leaks in the budget.
Yet, over the decades that we’ve been working in Juarez and El Paso, we’ve noticed that too few businesses take an honest look at their energy use and the money it costs them each month.
Through a few simple tips and adjustments, we’ve been able to save businesses thousands of dollars a year. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 simple tips that all small businesses should know when cutting down on that energy bill.
Getting An Energy Audit
The only way to know how you can maximize your bottom line is to have your business evaluated by professionals. At ISIEM Intl., we do just that. We have an entire suite of electrical engineering tests we can run on your business, like power quality and grounding studies, among others. With these tests, we can run a full diagnostic of your business’s energy use and safety.
Not only do these tests help you become more efficient, but they also keep your business from being fined for not following grid codes. With the Código De Red in full effect, it’s time to make sure your business is up to par.
Schedule Maintenance With A Trusted HVAC Company
You’d be surprised how much your HVAC system can account for your monthly energy use. You’d also be surprised how many systems are defective or are terribly inefficient.
A bad HVAC system can cost hundreds more per month, so it’s important to schedule regular inspections and maintenance to ensure you aren’t paying more than you have to. Inspection before the summer and winter seasons is ideal, though you should get inspection whenever possible.
Bonus tip: Use fans to take the load off of your HVAC system.
Instill Energy-Saving Practices In Employees
Energy savings shouldn’t have to be an effort from the top; inspire your employees to take part in it too.
In a time of climate change, many people want to start reducing their use for the betterment of the planet. Teaching your employees to help out can build up team morale and help the business save money in the long run as well.
Clean Up Your Light Sources
You’ve no doubt heard of the wonders of energy-efficient lightbulbs, but it’s true that they do help a great deal. In addition, using natural light can be great for your energy bill and for the health of your employees, as well.
Open up some blinds, buy some energy-efficient lights, and reap the benefits of your changes for your health and bottom line.
Devices, Peak Demand, and Phantom Energy
After your HVAC system, all the devices and equipment your business uses probably take up the bulk of the remaining energy. In residential and commercial settings, we often leave our devices plugged in all day (like chargers, coffee makers, etc.) and we use them when everyone else is using them. 9 a.m to 5 p.m is when most people are using electricity, meaning that’s when it’ll be the most costly.
To help with this, first try to have several devices on one power strip, so they can be turned off at the flip of one switch. Also, take the time to stagger hours for your workers if possible, as well as the use of devices/equipment.
This tip is made much easier with the help of everyone in the business, a tip we discussed earlier.
Energy-efficient appliances/equipment
In the same vein as energy-efficient lightbulbs, energy-efficient appliances/devices can make a big difference in the long-term. Everything from the coffee maker to major equipment can be swapped for equipment more energy-friendly. This is a big investment in some cases, but don’t be afraid to just start small.
Why Go Through All The Hassle?
As you may have noticed, some of these tips do require a little capital upfront. And the whole point of this was to save money, why should you spend so much money to follow these tips?
Well, like many aspects of small business, the emphasis has to be on the long game. Small business is rarely about instant gratification, and becoming energy efficient is no different. But once implemented, these tips can save you thousands per year, leaving money on the table to go elsewhere.
Another great by-product of these tips is a marketing opportunity. These days, any company who purports to run a clean, green operation has an upper hand. Being able to market that your company has taken steps to reduce your carbon footprint could lead to more press and more sales.
These steps can improve the health of your employees as well, keeping them from having to call out sick or use their sick days on issues stemming from your building itself. Good morale and health can contribute to a great product and a great business.
Start Your Energy-Efficient Journey With ISIEM
The first step in your energy-efficiency plan should be to have your business audited by professionals. For decades, ISIEM Intl. has been the leading electrical engineering company in the region, providing quality testing for small and large businesses alike. For your energy audit or any other electrical service, contact us today and schedule an appointment as soon as possible!