We have talked extensively about ways to save energy at home; now it is commercial business owners and managers turn for energy-saving tips. The following tips can yield significant savings.
Lights Off
Turn off lights when not needed. Turning off fluorescent lights when you plan on being out of a room for more than 15-minutes saves energy, extends overall lamp life, and reduces replacement costs. Contrary to popular belief, turning lights on and off does not use more electricity than leaving the lights on.
Improve Lighting Systems
Lighting consumes 25 to 30% of energy in commercial buildings (ENERGY STAR). Replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED or fluorescent bulbs can reduce electricity consumption and improve your employee’s comfort. You may also want to consider replacing inefficient or outdated lighting fixtures.
Use Programmable Thermostats
When programming your thermostat, consider your normal business hours. During these hours, program the thermostat to 68˚F in the winter, and 78˚F in the summer. Depending on the season, program thermostats up or down outside these hours. Consider installing locking devices on thermostats to maintain desired temperature settings.
Establish a Preventative Maintenance Program
Establish an effective preventative maintenance program for your electrical system and equipment. Benefits include reduced repair costs, minimized or eliminated downtime, extended system and equipment longevity, and personal safety. Contact a certified electrician who services commercial offices in your area to get started.
Purchase ENERGY STAR Certified Office Equipment
When purchasing new office equipment, look for the ENERGY STAR label. The ENERGY STAR office equipment program promotes energy-efficient computers, monitors, imaging equipment, enterprise servers, data center storage equipment, small and large network equipment, and uninterruptible power supplies.