Summer is finally here. Time to go on vacation, have some fun, and enjoy the warmer weather. However, if you manage a business in the colder months of winter, then summer is also a time for you to worry about higher heating bills. Fortunately, there are many ways to cut down on energy costs during this season. Here are some simple tips:
Set up an energy audit
An energy audit is a systematic evaluation of your building’s or facility’s energy use and efficiency. It can be performed by an accredited professional—sometimes called a “green” consultant or auditor—who will likely be certified in one of a few fields, including industrial hygiene, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, finance, and accounting.
Audits can help identify potential cost savings by identifying any existing problems with your building’s design or operational systems that may contribute to higher than necessary energy consumption. For instance, the auditor might find that some windows have gaps around them that allow air to enter the building.
Get an energy-saving plan in place
At this point, it’s a good idea to get an energy-saving plan in place. For example, you can invest in energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. You should also install a programmable thermostat so that your air conditioner or heater runs when it’s needed most—and not all day long.
Finally, be sure that you change your habits: try going to work early or leaving late; do errands during the cooler parts of the day; plan outdoor activities around sunset/sunrise; avoid turning on lights when they aren’t necessary. These types of adjustments can help reduce your energy costs without making significant changes to your daily routine.
Install energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
One of the biggest ways to reduce your energy use and costs is by installing more efficient HVAC systems. Efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems use less energy than their less efficient counterparts. This can be accomplished in several ways.
- Install an Energy Star–Certified HVAC system
- Replace your existing equipment with a new unit that has been built to meet or exceed the highest standards for efficiency
- Improve the efficiency of your current system by upgrading ductwork, sealing ducts where leaks occur, and upgrading inefficient components
Set up motion detectors to switch on and off lights.
Motion detectors are a great way to save energy. They can be installed in rooms that are not used often or in places where there is a lot of activity. You can also install them in places where there is no activity at all, such as storage closets and hallways.
Motion detectors work by detecting movement within the room, turning on the lights when someone enters the area and then turning them off after they leave. This means you only use lighting when it’s necessary, which saves money on your electric bill.
Find ways to monitor your energy consumption
There are many ways to monitor your energy consumption, and the more you know about it, the better.
A smart meter is a device that records the amount of energy consumed by a home or business. The data from these meters can be used to determine how much electricity is being used at different times during each day and week. This is useful for both residential and commercial buildings because it helps them understand how their energy usage compares to others in their area. It also allows them to see when they’re using more power than usual so they know when an issue with their equipment or system needs attention.
Conclusion
We hope this blog post has given you some ideas for how to save money on your bills. If you want more information on how to manage energy use and costs, check out Business Energy Comparison today.
