We don’t have to tell you how crazy the world has been for the past handful of years. 

From COVID-19 to the post-pandemic boom to the recession we find ourself in now, it’s been a wild ride. 

And if you’re like many of the business owners we work with, right now it’s time to button down the hatches and weather the financial storm. 

One of the ways to help with strengthening your bottom line is to reduce your utility costs, and one of the biggest utility costs is electricity for a majority of businesses. 

So today, we’re going to help you implement some effective energy saving strategies to help reduce your electricity bill and contribute to a greener environment. 

Let’s dive in!

19 Tips To Reduce Your Business Electricity Bill

Switch to energy-efficient lighting

One of the most impactful ways for small business owners to save electricity is by switching to energy-efficient lighting options. 

Traditional incandescent bulbs are notorious for their high energy consumption and short lifespan. 

LED lights use up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs, while lasting 25 times longer. This not only reduces electricity costs but also decreases the frequency of bulb replacements, saving time and maintenance expenses.

Utilize natural light

Harnessing natural light is an effective way for small businesses to reduce their reliance on artificial lighting. By simply opening blinds or curtains during daylight hours, businesses can maximize the use of natural sunlight and minimize the need for electric lights. 

Not only does this practice save energy, but it also creates a pleasant and inviting atmosphere for customers and employees. Consider positioning workstations and seating areas strategically to optimize natural light distribution. This simple adjustment can make a significant impact on energy consumption and contribute to a more sustainable business environment.

Install occupancy sensors

Occupancy sensors are a smart investment for small businesses looking to minimize unnecessary energy usage. These motion-activated sensors detect movement in a room and automatically turn lights on or off accordingly. 

By installing occupancy sensors in areas that are not frequently occupied, such as restrooms, storage rooms, or conference rooms, businesses can ensure that lights are only activated when needed. This eliminates the risk of lights being left on accidentally and reduces energy waste. 

Implementing occupancy sensors is a cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity expenses.

Set thermostats wisely

Optimizing thermostat settings is a crucial step for small businesses to manage their HVAC energy consumption effectively. During the winter months, lowering the heating temperature by a few degrees can result in substantial energy savings. Similarly, raising the cooling temperature in the summer can significantly reduce air conditioning usage.

Encourage employees to dress appropriately for the season, and consider providing additional layers or fans to ensure their comfort. By implementing wise thermostat settings, small businesses can create a comfortable working environment while reducing energy waste and cutting down on utility costs.

Regular HVAC maintenance

Regular maintenance of HVAC systems is essential for small businesses to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and make the system work harder, consuming more electricity. It is crucial to clean or replace air filters regularly to keep the HVAC system operating efficiently. 

Additionally, scheduling annual HVAC maintenance with a professional technician can identify and address any issues, ensuring that the system is running at its peak efficiency. Proper maintenance not only extends the lifespan of the HVAC system but also leads to significant energy savings over time.

Implement programmable thermostats

Programmable thermostats provide small businesses with a convenient way to automatically adjust temperature settings based on their operational hours and occupancy patterns. These thermostats allow businesses to pre-program temperature changes throughout the day, ensuring that heating or cooling is optimized when the premises are occupied and scaled back during off-hours. 

By utilizing programmable thermostats, small businesses can avoid unnecessary energy consumption during periods of low activity, resulting in substantial energy and cost savings. This technology empowers businesses to maintain a comfortable environment while minimizing wasteful heating or cooling when not required.

Seal air leaks

Small businesses can significantly reduce energy waste by identifying and sealing air leaks in their premises. Gaps and cracks around doors, windows, and other openings can allow heated or cooled air to escape, leading to increased energy usage. 

Weather stripping and caulking are cost-effective solutions that help seal these air leaks, preventing unwanted air infiltration. By properly sealing air leaks, small businesses can create a more energy-efficient building envelope, enhance occupant comfort, and reduce the workload on HVAC systems, ultimately lowering electricity consumption and utility costs.

Efficient insulation

Proper insulation plays a crucial role in small business energy efficiency. Well-insulated walls, ceilings, and floors help to reduce heat transfer, keeping indoor temperatures stable and minimizing the need for excessive heating or cooling. 

By investing in efficient insulation materials and ensuring their proper installation, small businesses can create a more thermally efficient building envelope. 

This not only leads to reduced energy consumption but also enhances occupant comfort and reduces the strain on HVAC systems. Proper insulation is a long-term investment that can yield significant energy savings and a more sustainable business environment.

Power down idle equipment

Small businesses can achieve notable energy savings by powering down idle equipment when not in use. Computers, printers, monitors, and other office equipment can consume significant energy even when they are not actively being used. 

Encourage employees to turn off devices when they leave for the day or utilize energy-saving modes that automatically power down idle equipment after a period of inactivity. Consider using smart power strips that can cut power to peripheral devices when the main device is turned off. 

By implementing these practices, small businesses can reduce standby power consumption and contribute to substantial energy savings.

Optimize computer settings

Adjusting computer settings is a simple yet effective way for small businesses to save electricity. Configuring power management settings on computers allows them to enter sleep or hibernation mode when they are inactive for a certain period. 

Additionally, enabling automatic screen savers can help conserve energy by dimming or turning off the display when not in use. Encourage employees to make use of these power-saving features and educate them about the benefits of energy conservation. 

By optimizing computer settings, small businesses can reduce energy waste and prolong the lifespan of their computer equipment.

Upgrade to energy-efficient equipment

When it comes to office equipment, small businesses can make significant energy savings by upgrading to energy-efficient models. ENERGY STAR certified devices, such as computers, printers, copiers, and other office appliances, are designed to consume less energy without compromising performance. 

These energy-efficient options not only reduce electricity usage but also often come with advanced power management features. 

By investing in energy-efficient equipment, small businesses can lower their environmental impact and realize long-term energy and cost savings.

Use laptops instead of desktops

Choosing laptops over desktop computers can be a smart energy-saving choice for small businesses. Laptops generally consume less energy than their desktop counterparts, making them more efficient options for everyday business operations. 

Laptops also offer the flexibility of working from different locations and can be easily transported and used in energy-saving modes.

By encouraging the use of laptops, small businesses can reduce electricity consumption, improve mobility, and save on energy costs.

Conduct an energy audit

Small businesses can benefit from conducting an energy audit to identify areas of energy inefficiency and implement targeted solutions. Hiring a professional energy auditor – you know, your friends here Wolf Expense Solutions –  can help assess the energy performance of your premises, identify potential energy-saving opportunities, and provide recommendations for improvement. 

An energy audit may involve evaluating insulation, HVAC systems, lighting, and other energy-consuming areas. By conducting an energy audit, small businesses can make informed decisions about implementing cost-effective energy-saving measures and maximizing their energy efficiency.

Install smart lighting controls

Implementing smart lighting systems is an effective way for small businesses to have better control over their lighting and reduce energy waste. Smart lighting controls allow businesses to remotely control lighting, adjust brightness levels, and schedule on/off times. 

This enables businesses to tailor lighting to specific needs, avoid leaving lights on overnight, and respond to changing requirements promptly. 

By installing smart lighting controls, small businesses can optimize energy usage, reduce electricity costs, and create a more sustainable and comfortable work environment.

Educate employees

Employee engagement plays a crucial role in achieving energy-saving goals within small businesses. By educating and raising awareness among employees about the importance of energy conservation, businesses can foster a culture of sustainability. 

Encourage employees to turn off lights, unplug chargers, and practice energy-saving habits in their work areas. Provide training sessions, share energy-saving tips, and communicate the benefits of energy efficiency. 

Engaging employees in energy conservation efforts not only reduces electricity consumption but also fosters a sense of collective responsibility towards sustainability.

Utilize power-saving features

Small businesses can further reduce energy consumption by utilizing power-saving features on office equipment. 

Many devices, such as printers, copiers, and monitors, have built-in power-saving modes that automatically activate after a period of inactivity. By enabling these features, devices can enter a low-power state or turn off completely, conserving energy when not in use. 

Encourage employees to utilize these power-saving settings and educate them about the importance of minimizing standby power. 

By maximizing the use of power-saving features, small businesses can contribute to energy conservation and reduce their electricity costs.

Opt for energy-efficient appliances

When selecting appliances for your small business, prioritize energy-efficient models. Appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, water coolers, and coffee machines are commonly used in various business settings. 

Look for appliances with high energy efficiency ratings and features such as energy-saving modes and timers. These appliances are designed to consume less energy without compromising functionality. 

By opting for energy-efficient appliances, small businesses can minimize electricity usage and lower their operational costs over time.

Consider renewable energy

Small businesses can explore the use of renewable energy sources to offset their electricity consumption. Installing solar panels or other renewable energy systems on your premises can generate clean, renewable power and reduce reliance on the grid. 

While the upfront investment may require careful consideration, the long-term benefits can be substantial. Depending on your location and available resources, renewable energy systems can provide a reliable and cost-effective alternative. 

By embracing renewable energy, small businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, reduce their carbon footprint, and potentially save money on electricity in the long run.

Monitor and track energy usage

Implementing energy monitoring systems allows small businesses to track and analyze their electricity usage patterns. 

By monitoring energy consumption in real-time or through periodic assessments, businesses can gain insights into their peak usage times and identify areas of high consumption. This data enables informed decision-making on implementing energy-saving measures. 

Energy monitoring systems may include smart meters, energy management software, or cloud-based platforms that provide detailed analytics. 

By tracking energy usage, small businesses can identify opportunities for optimization, set energy reduction targets, and measure their progress toward energy efficiency goals.

Final Thoughts

If you’re interested in learning more about how to optimize your operating costs and keep more of the money you earn, give us a call. We’re experts in providing your business with audits for the whole scope of your operating expense items, and can even help you negotiate agreements with your electric companies to reduce your overall utility expenses. Reach out for a quick conversation!