Most smart businesses strive to keep their costs low — and that includes saving on energy. Many of the standard household conservation tips on our website are also applicable to businesses. LED bulbs work in desk lamps and table lamps, and a computer monitor left on wastes just as much in an office as a teen’s bedroom.
The following are additional ideas that businesses should consider to help reduce energy costs:
- Install occupancy sensors in areas like storerooms and warehouses. These can save up to 40% on associated energy costs by turning lights on and off when someone enters and leaves a room. You can also get a takeCHARGE rebate when you install occupancy sensors.
- Install aluminum reflectors on fluorescent tube light fixtures to increase the effectiveness of lighting. This often allows for lower wattage and/or fewer bulbs.
- Replace traditional EXIT signs (which by law must be lit 24 hours a day) with newer light emitting diode (LED) signs or retrofit kits. You’ll be replacing an energy waster of up to 30 watts with as little as 2 watts and can get a $20 rebate.
- Turn equipment off. Contrary to what some people may think, computers, monitors, photocopiers and appliances all consume more energy if you leave them running instead of turning them on and off. You will see real savings if you turn them off at the end of the day and for extended periods like weekends and holidays.
- Buy ENERGY STAR® computer systems, monitors and electronic products. The ENERGY STAR® label identifies the most energy efficient products available.
- Lower room temperature set points during un-occupied periods such as evenings and weekends. A smart thermostat will achieve this automatically – Just set it and forget it! Smart thermostats are also eligible for a $50 rebate per unit.
- Keep ducts and heaters free from obstruction.
- When buying or replacing fluorescent lighting, use high efficiency T8, T5 or tubular LED’s.