Commercial buildings like schools, universities , hotels, hospitals, shopping malls, warehouses, places of worship, and offices all have different energy needs. However, according to a survey by the Energy Information Agency (EIA), 25% of energy is consumed by all commercial buildings only on space heating.
Saving energy is good for any business because it not only cuts the expenses, but it is environmentally friendly. There are several things that you can do in your workplace to reduce power consumption.
If you want to know how to use less electricity, read on and find out what you need to do.
Turn off When Not in Use
You will be surprised by how many lights, printers, computers, coffee makers, and other devices are left on when they are not in use and overnight. Ensuring that your lights are turned off and your office equipment is either put in sleep mode or completely turned off will help you pay for less electricity.
You can put signs next to devices and light switches to remind the employees to turn them off. You can also use motion-activated lights in common areas like bathrooms, break rooms, storage facilities, and the less-used hallways.
Get an Energy Audit
One of the best ways to know how to reduce energy consumption in your workplace is to conduct an energy audit or assessment. Do not overlook or underestimate your daily energy usage. Instead, contact a professional utility company and get audited.
With an energy audit, you will know how much energy you consume and what consumes the most energy in your workplace. The energy experts will also help you learn how to increase efficiency and manage consumption. These audits also help to ensure that your workplace is safe from electrical accidents.
Buy Energy Efficient Equipment
Several electronic pieces of equipment today are more energy-efficient when compared to older models. If you have several older pieces of equipment, you may want to replace them with energy-efficient models. From your office equipment like printers, scanners, and computers to break room equipment like refrigerators, coffee makers, and more, it will pay a great deal if you purchase efficient models.
When buying any equipment, make sure you check if it has the Energy Star logo. These devices can operate much more efficiently, and they also automatically power down when not in use for a long time. This will help you save up to 50% or more.
Please change the filters in your HVAC system as needed and ensure that it is well maintained. It is one of the most used electronic equipment in offices and can consume a lot of energy if it is not effective.
Upgrade Your Lights
The world has waved goodbye to incandescent light bulbs and is now embracing LED and fluorescent lights. For large spaces, UID lights are better energy choices. You may also want to upgrade your fixtures even if you are using fluorescent lights because the older versions are less energy efficient.
When replacing your bulbs, remember that watts no longer make the cut, lumens do. Lumens measure the delivery of the light, and watts measure the consumption. Get bulbs that deliver the lumens that you need.
Do not forget to upgrade the exit sign or any other warning signs that have to remain on throughout the day and night. They tend to consume a lot of energy. Upgrade them, too, to run on LED lights.
Consider Renewable and Alternative Sources of Energy
Energy sources such as solar power or other renewable energy are still a long way from completely replacing gas or electricity in the business sector. However, you can use solar panels, windmills, or geothermal heat pumps to cut down on your electricity consumption.
There are some incentive programs like rebates, loan programs, tax breaks, and grants that are offered to help encourage people to try other forms of energy. Therefore, you might gain as you lower your energy cost.
Using renewable energy also promotes an eco-friendly environment because the energy is free from harmful CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases.
Check on the Thermostats
Everyone has a favorable climate that they want to work in. If you leave one or two people to control the thermostat, the chances are that some employees will complain that the office is too cold or too hot. You should try and avoid the constant adjusting of the thermostat.
There are new model thermostats that have a lock feature that allows you to adjust the temperature within a specified range of degrees. This will help maintain the same climate and reduce energy bills. Get a few fans to help cool the office during hot seasons like summer.
You can also consider getting a programmable thermostat that will allow you to adjust the workplace temperature at night or during the holidays and weekends when no one is at work. Set the AC to turn on at least thirty minutes before people arrive and off thirty minutes before they leave.
Check the Windows
Commercial buildings mostly have several windows. As much as these windows and skylights can help light up the room and save you on lighting costs, they also put an added load to the cooling system during summer.
Install high-quality window films to make them more efficient and awnings that will help keep the office cool. Make sure that you fix any cracks on the windows, use caulking around the windows and weather stripping around the doors to prevent energy loss.
Use These Tips and Know How to Use Less Electricity
When it comes to how to use less electricity in the workplace, there is a lot of room for improvement. You can start with the tips we have mentioned above so that you can reduce your electricity consumption and save money.
If you are looking for an energy-efficient solution for your business, we have a solution for you here at SOLO. We offer customized energy solutions that will ensure that you reduce the energy consumption in your workplace.
Visit our website for more information and contact us today for energy efficient solutions.
