Whether it's adjusting your thermostat or investing in energy-efficient equipment,
you can be in control of how much electricity and natural gas
your business uses. Reduce your energy use and costs by taking these simple and affordable steps.
Heating and cooling tips
- During the winter months, keep your thermostat between 65° and 70°.
Dial your thermostat down when your business is closed.
- Install a programmable thermostat to automatically lower the
temperature when you are closed, and raise it shortly before you open for
business. Savings can be dramatic.
- Have your heating and air conditioning serviced prior to
heating and cooling seasons. Your system may last years longer and your
chances of a break-down will be reduced with regular
maintenance.
- Open blinds or drapes to let the sun in on winter days. At
night, close them to help hold heat in. In the
summer, use curtains or drapes to prevent the summer heat from getting
inside.
- Don't heat space you don't use. Close the vents and shut the doors
to infrequently-used rooms and open them when you need them. By minimizing
the space you heat, you can save significantly on heating bills.
- Warm air quickly rises out of your comfort zone. Direct your heating
registers to blow horizontally across the floor instead of straight up.
- Use fans to help with air movement. Fans can make your business feel
more comfortable and delay the need to turn up your furnace or air
conditioning — saving energy. If you have
ceiling fans, set them so you feel a breeze coming
down (usually counterclockwise) in the summer. In the winter, reverse the fan's
direction and operate it at a low speed to bring your warm, heated air
down where you need it.
- Use weatherstripping and caulking wherever it is needed. This will
keep the heat and cool air from leaving the building.
- Change or clean your furnace filter at least
once per month. Clogged filters inhibit airflow and make your furnace
work harder.
- Insulate your business following the proper building codes and
guidelines. Proper insulation keeps the building cool in the summer
and warm in the winter.
- If possible, plant trees around your business to provide shade in
the summer.
Office equipment tips
- Always buy ENERGY STAR® certified products for your
business. The ENERGY STAR label will help you find the most energy-efficient
computers, printers, copiers and other equipment.
- Keep an eye on plug loads to help reduce energy waste in your facility.
Plug loads are appliances and equipment that are not hard wired to the
building's electrical system. Save energy by unplugging equipment that
is not in use or install smart power strips or timers that will
automatically turn off electrical supply to these devices.
Water heating tips
- Buy a water heater blanket and follow the instructions to wrap it
tightly around your water heater. It's an inexpensive way to help your
water heater run more efficiently.
- Reduce use of hot water by installing water flow restrictors
on your faucets.
- Fix leaks to help conserve energy and save money.
- Set water temperatures at 110-120 degrees to prevent scalding and
save energy.
