Business Energy: Keeping Costs Down as the Mercury Rises
As the UK gears up for a heatwave this week (with temperatures that could rise as high as 34°C), how will your business keep its energy consumption (and thus costs) down?
By Tuesday and Wednesday this week (just at the start of the school holidays), the mercury is set to soar into the mid-30s as hot air is drawn up from France and Spain.
As your employees try to stay cool during the heatwave, you’re probably using more energy at work, lead to higher energy bills. That’s why we’ve put together a list of top tips to help you manage your energy consumption over the hot summer months.
Make use of the natural light
More sunshine = more natural light – use it!
Go easy on the air-conditioning
Try not to become overly reliant on your air-conditioning system. When your office reaches an optimum temperature (around 21°C), make to turn off the air-conditioning.
Become a fan
Where possible, use a free-standing or ceiling fan instead of air conditioners, as fans use a lot less energy while still cooling down the air.
Implement a regular servicing plan
If you use your air conditioning units a lot throughout the summer, be sure to get it serviced regularly. A services unit is able to work more efficiently, reducing energy consumption.
Get your employees to take lunch outside
Encourage your employees to make the most of the beautiful weather by enjoying a lunchbreak outside (switching off devices when they go). Not only will they enjoy the chance to get some fresh summer air, but you’ll save energy by shutting down your business’ devices for an hour or so. Why not have a team picnic outside as a company bonding exercise?
Use energy-efficient light bulbs
One of the simplest ways to reduce your energy consumption is to install energy-efficient lightbulbs, if you haven’t already done so. These types of bulbs can use up to 70% less energy than a normal incandescent bulb and also tend to have a better life span.
Install motion sensors
Applicable to both summer and winter energy consumption, installing motion-sensors is a small initial investment that will pay off in the long run by reducing your business electricity bills significantly.
Lights with motion sensors will turn on and off automatically when someone is in the room, reducing the reliance on employees to turn lights off when they leave an area.
Watch your windows and doors
In the summer, leaving your windows and doors open can compromise the work being done by your air conditioning unit. If the air conditioning is on, keep doors and windows shut where possible.
Turn off electronics
As your employees head out to enjoy the summer evenings, remind them to take a few extra seconds to switch off and unplug computers and laptops. It’s better for the machines, and will help to drive down your energy bills by preventing devices from pulling unneeded electricity throughout the night.
Replace electrical ‘antiques’ with energy-efficient equivalents
If you’re using outdated appliances at work, you could be paying a lot more for your electricity than you need to. Old computers, fridges and boilers are not as energy-efficient as modern appliances. Over time, investing in energy-efficient devices leads to significant cost-savings.
Implement an energy management system
Long-term energy savings throughout the year start with effective energy management. By conducting an energy audit and putting an energy management strategy and systems in place, you can keep on top with how much gas and electricity your business is using and identify potential energy efficiencies based on your usage patterns.
Let the summer savings begin!
Use these tips to start saving energy in your workplace this summer. Save money, keen cool, help the environment, and make the most of the warmer weather!
If you need any help with your business’ energy management and procurement, don’t hesitate to give energy experts at Smarter Business a shout.