Improve Your Bottom Line With These Energy-saving Tips
Your bottom line is a telling figure that reveals how business-savvy you are, but it…
Your bottom line is a telling figure that reveals how business-savvy you are, but it is about more than just profits. The more you can reduce your overhead costs, the more success you will see as a business owner. Find out how you can keep more of your hard-earned money in your pockets by reducing energy costs for your company with these energy-saving tips.
1. Use energy-efficient office equipment.
With a renewed interest in energy-efficiency and green lifestyles, the market for energy-saving appliances has increased significantly. When you are ready to upgrade your working equipment, such as copiers, printers and shredders, look for product information that points to greater energy efficiency – and thus, less business electricity use. Another way to save on the energy that your office uses is to employ laptops instead of bulky and costly desktop computers.
2. Make use of natural sunlight.
Instead of keeping the lights on in the office all day, take advantage of the early afternoon, when the sun is at its peak, by turning off the lights after the lunch hour. In addition to saving you energy on lighting, this tip will also treat your staff to a stimulating view and keep them motivated. To help your employees benefit from the sunlight, arrange desks and work areas near large windows.
3. Make sure you are getting the best rate on energy.
As with all aspects of maintaining your business, you should investigate which company provides the best product for the lowest price. Compare energy prices in your local area with a Web site like uswitchforbusiness to make sure you are not being taken advantage of by your energy provider and to find out how you can switch if you are.
4. Use air conditioning and heating as a last resort.
During the summer when the temperatures rise, try using fans to circulate air instead of turning on the air conditioning. When the colder months arrive, encourage your employees to dress in thick layers to keep warm. This will keep you from overworking your HVAC system and save you money on cooling and heating costs.
5. Keep your HVAC system in good repair.
Speaking of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, it is always a good idea to call in a professional maintenance person at least once a year to check out your vents and parts. Sometimes small businesses can even employ these professionals via a contract that will give you reduced rates for using the same company year after year.
6. Use a programmable thermostat.
These handy little devices are inexpensive to purchase and easy to install, all in exchange for huge savings on your office’s energy bill. You can programme your thermostat to keep the office at a stable temperature, which is often less costly than turning it on and off at the beginning and end of each day.
