Tips for saving energy in your business

Saving energy means saving money, which means more profit every month. Think about how much most businesses focus on saving on expenses they can see every day such as labour and fuel, but most small businesses don’t realise how much they can save on electricity and other energy costs.

Some energy-saving actions may involve an initial investment. However, this investment can often be recovered very quickly.

Get your staff involved in lowering power costs

Tell them how much your energy costs are. Break this down to a daily cost. Set a new target and celebrate with the team when you achieve this target. Most people want to do the right thing; you just need to encourage them.

A good first step is to take a close look at your energy costs and work out what areas and what equipment is using the most energy. Equipment that involves heating and cooling is a good place to start.

How to save on heating and air conditioning:

• Close doors to the outside to contain air conditioning.
• Turn the air conditioning off for the last hour of each workday.
• Keep room area temperatures at 18°C during winter and 25°C during summer.
• Install blinds or solar screen shades to cool your workplace.
• Close shades during early morning and late evening to reduce heat gain from the sun.
• Install reflective window film or awnings on all southwest facing windows.
• Install ceiling and wall insulation.

Easy ways to save on refrigeration costs:

• Keep fridges reasonably full and make sure there’s enough room for cold air to circulate.
• Make sure your fridges are in a well-ventilated area and not exposed to direct sunlight or heat from other equipment.
• Keep evaporator coils clean and free of ice build-up.
• Check worn door seals and faulty latches.
• Install strip curtains on walk-in freezers or coolers and automatic door-closers.

Lighting savings

• Turn off lights when not needed.
• Turn off signs and other lights not needed for security and safety.
• Change incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) – they use less electricity for the same lighting output.
• Install motion detectors to control lighting in frequently unoccupied areas such as restrooms and storage areas.
• Clean dusty diffusers and lamps every 6-12 months.

Some suggestions for your office and administration areas:

• Turn off computers, monitors, printers, copiers and lights at the end of each working day.
• Use email instead of sending memos and faxing documents.
• Laptop computers consume 90% less energy than standard desktop computers.
• Inkjet printers consume 90% less energy than laser printers.

Fallon Services can assist with all your energy-saving requirements. Our licensed and experienced electricians can carry out a range of electrical work that can have your business starting to save money today!