How Businesses Can Cut Energy Costs Without Cutting Corners
In today’s unpredictable economic climate, keeping a close eye on indirect costs has never been more important. For many businesses, energy bills are one of those sneaky costs that quietly pile up in the background. Whether you’re running a startup from a small office or managing operations in a busy warehouse, cutting down your energy usage isn’t just about saving money, it’s also a great step toward becoming more environmentally responsible.
The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice productivity or comfort to make a difference. Here are some practical and tested ways to cut down on energy costs without disrupting your workflow.
Start with an Energy Audit
Before you can fix inefficiencies, you need to know where they are. An energy audit gives you a clear picture of how your business uses power, what’s working well and what’s wasting energy (and money). It might reveal things you’d never think about, like old equipment that’s draining electricity or heat escaping through poorly sealed windows.
A useful tip is to check with your energy provider or local council, many offer free or discounted energy audits for businesses, it’s a simple step that can uncover big savings.
Upgrade to Energy Efficient Lighting
Lighting often adds to a large portion of energy bills, up to 40% in some cases. If you’re still using traditional incandescent bulbs, it’s time for an upgrade as these bulbs are not low energy lights and are inefficient because they give off a lot of heat in the process. LEDs use up to 80% less energy and last significantly longer, they are environmentally friendly and have other benefits such as being: durable and reliable, having low heat commission, excellent colour rendering and provides instant illumination.
Bonus Tip: Install motion sensors or timers in rooms that aren’t always in use, like meeting rooms, storage areas, and restrooms. It’s a low cost way to make sure lights aren’t left on unnecessarily and to save energy and money.
You can make the switch today and start saving, upgrade to energy efficient LED lighting to save energy within your business. Visit our website at https://aes-services.co.uk/ or contact us at enquiries@aes-services.co.uk.
Modernise Your Equipment
Older machines, appliances, and HVAC systems might still function, but they’re probably not doing it efficiently. Newer, energy efficient models are designed to use less power and perform better.
Look for applications with energy certifications, which tell you how energy efficient a product is, they’re designed to save you money over time. And while there may be some upfront cost, the long term savings on your utility bill often outweigh the initial investment you will make. You can also look for the same when looking to invest in a property, you will normally find a graph with a scale from A to G, the most efficient properties, which should have the lowest energy bills, and in band A.
Encourage your Workplace to be more Energy Conscious
Technology can only do so much, getting your team on board is just as important. Simple changes can go a long way.
Encourage your staff to:
- Switch off lights, monitors, and other devices when they’re not in use, this will save alot of electricity and will reduce the rate of bulbs dying.
- Use natural light when possible to prevent using any light sources that may require energy when not needed. Natural light is just as beneficial as your lights that you use everyday.
- Only print documents when absolutely necessary, the use of printers drains more energy than you think. A typical home printer will use around 50 watts, whereas a commercial grade office printer will use around 500 watts during printing.
- Keep doors and windows closed when heating or cooling systems are on, you will hear people talk about this issue all the time and you may just think they are complaining but at least 35% of total heat loss is due to open windows and doors when the heating is on. By being strict with yourself to close doors and windows, you won’t just improve your overall comfort but also save on utility bills massively.
Fine Tune Your Heating and Cooling Systems
Heating and cooling are often the biggest contributors to commercial energy use. Small tweaks can lead to big savings.
Make sure HVAC systems are regularly serviced and running efficiently.
Use programmable thermostats to avoid heating or cooling unused spaces, this will help target rooms where people actually need either heating or cooling and eliminate other rooms that may be unused. This helps you take control of where energy is going, and you can keep track more precisely of what time it may be used.
Seal windows, doors, and ducts to keep treated air where it belongs. When you have the AC on in the summer or you have the heating on in the winter you want to feel the benefit from them, by sealing doors and windows you can prevent air leaks and reduce heat loss which reduces the workload on heating and cooling systems, saving money on energy bills and providing you with a more comfortable environment.
Tip: Just adjusting your thermostat by a single degree can impact your energy bill by up to 10%.
Use Smart Technology to Stay in Control
Smart meters and energy management tools are game changers for modern businesses, they provide real time data and let you adjust energy usage based on demand, pricing, or occupancy.
You can even schedule energy usage to take advantage of off peak rates or track down hidden energy drains. It’s like having an energy consultant in your pocket.
Re-evaluate Your Energy Supplier and Plan
When was the last time you reviewed your energy contract? Many businesses stick with the same supplier for years without realising they’re overpaying.
Take time to compare different energy providers and consider switching to a fixed rate plan to protect your business from sudden price hikes, especially during high demand seasons.
Think Long Term with Renewable Energy
If your budget allows, investing in renewables, like solar panels, can dramatically cut your reliance on the grid. Plus, they come with additional benefits like tax incentives, grants, and a stronger reputation as a sustainable brand.
Even if full scale solar installation isn’t on the cards right now, keep an eye on emerging tech and financing options, it’s becoming more accessible every year.
Introduce Energy Saving to your Business
Saving energy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or overhauling your entire operation. Sometimes, the smallest changes, like switching off a light or upgrading a single piece of equipment, can lead to significant savings.
Get In Touch
We cater to a wide range of sectors, including domestic, commercial, and industrial, ensuring that your electrical requirements are met with exceptional precision. If you’re seeking dependable electrical services that prioritise safety, compliance, and quality, look no further.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your specific requirements.
AES Electrical & Compliance Services Ltd
Unit 3 Lime House, Road Two, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 3QZ
