Summer is nearly here, and for many businesses, that means increased energy usage from air conditioning, fans, and other cooling methods. While keeping your business environment comfortable for employees and customers is important, you don’t want your energy bills to skyrocket. Use these ten tips to save on energy costs this summer.
1. Adjust The Thermostat
One of the easiest ways to reduce energy usage is to adjust your thermostat. Bumping it up just a few degrees can make a big difference in cooling costs. Set your thermostat to 23-25°C during occupied hours and allow it to increase by a few degrees when unoccupied. Getting employees on board with appropriate thermostat settings can lead to significant savings.
2. Use Fans And Portable AC Units
Rather than cranking up the central AC, use fans and portable AC units to direct cool air where needed. Circulating fans can provide a cooling breeze throughout a room. Portable AC units are ideal for server rooms or other areas where localised cooling is required. And they typically use less energy than central AC.
3. Tint Windows
Sunlight streaming in through windows heats up a space quickly. Window tinting is an effective solution that can reduce heat gain from sunlight by up to 79%. This keeps interiors cooler while lessening the burden on cooling systems. When installing window tints, go with a product specially designed for commercial buildings. These durable tints reject more solar heat without diminishing visible light transmission. Many local tint shops offer free consultations and quotes to help you pick the right window films for each part of your building.
4. Seal Air Leaks
Small air leaks from windows, doors, ducts and other areas can increase energy usage and make cooling systems work harder. Seal up leaks with caulk and weatherstripping to improve efficiency. Pay particular attention to areas where two different building materials meet, like where a wall meets the foundation. These joints tend to leak more. You may want to hire an energy auditor to pinpoint the biggest areas of air leakage using advanced tools like infrared cameras. They can also perform a duct leakage test and advise on proper sealing methods.
5. Service HVAC Equipment
If you have an HVAC system in your business, you know that it works harder during the summer months. Make sure it runs efficiently by having a professional technician service the equipment before the cooling season starts. They can check refrigerant levels, tighten connections, clean coils and make other small repairs that boost performance. Regular maintenance keeps your HVAC system running properly and can extend its lifespan.
6. Upgrade Lighting
Swapping out traditional lighting for LEDs reduces energy usage and lowers heat output. LEDs give off very little heat compared to incandescent and compact fluorescent lighting. Less heat emission equals less demand on air conditioning. Beyond upgrades, ensure lighting controls are operating properly. Occupancy sensors, timed lighting, and daylight harvesting systems automatically adjust lighting based on need. Automated controls paired with efficient LEDs create maximum energy savings.
7. Utilise Natural Lighting
When possible, rely on natural sunlight instead of artificial lighting during daylight hours. Open blinds and shades to maximise sunlight. Install skylights or solar tubes to bring natural light into inner conference rooms or offices. Turn off artificial lighting when not needed. Place workstations near windows to take advantage of daylight. Keep windows clean so they transmit the maximum amount of light. Trim back outdoor trees and shrubs that may be blocking natural light from entering your building.
8. Improve Insulation
Prevent heat transfer into your building by improving insulation. Areas to focus on include roofs, exterior walls and ductwork. Better insulation also makes heating and cooling systems more efficient. Although an upfront investment, the long-term energy savings are significant. If your building still has single-pane windows, upgrading to modern double or triple-pane windows provides better insulation.
9. Power Down Equipment
Office equipment like computers, printers and copiers generate heat when powered on. Create a policy for employees to turn off equipment at the end of each workday. Use power strips to easily shut down a group of devices with one switch. Enable energy-saving modes on equipment to reduce consumption when idle. Set computers, monitors, printers and copiers to sleep after 15-20 minutes of inactivity. Ensure the sleep mode fully powers down the device instead of leaving components on.
10. Conserve Water Usage
Finally, water accounts for a major portion of an office building’s utility consumption. Simple measures like installing low-flow taps, fixing leaks quickly, and reducing irrigation can lead to lower utility bills. Employees can also help by turning off taps completely after use and reporting any leaks or drips. It’s also worth comparing business water suppliers through The Business Water Shop. When you compare business water suppliers and switch, you could save as much as 55%.
Implementing some of these tips can significantly reduce your business’s energy consumption this summer.
