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How your business can optimize electricity usage
Electricity consumption can be expensive in large amounts, especially in a business setting. So how do you optimize your office’s...
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lectricity consumption can be expensive in large amounts, especially in a business setting. So how do you optimize your office’s electricity usage?
To begin with, lighting can use a large amount of electricity without the proper energy conserving hardware. All fixtures should be in good condition, and prevent bulbs from flickering or from delaying in turning on when you flip the switch on. Replace all traditional incandescent bulbs with LED’s or other energy saving bulbs, because incandescent bulbs waste up to 80% of the electricity used to power them, whereas LED’s save that energy.
Another step that could be taken would be to invest in energy saving switches. These will automatically set light levels as necessary, thereby allowing for more natural light to take over when available, reducing energy costs as bulbs will not be powered as brightly for as long of a period of time as with a regular on/off switch.
The other big consumer of power in an office setting is the A/C unit. Many offices don’t take the time to properly size their unit. Some install a unit that is too big, which consumes more power than is necessary to do an efficient job, and others get one that is too small, which won’t adequately heat or cool the office space. Investing in a more expensive upfront cost for a better unit can really pay for itself over time too. The lack of repairs for a good unit, the savings in the electricity from it’s up to date energy saving hardware, as well as the improved efficiency, are all reasons to go ahead and get the deluxe version now.
Another final thing to look at is the equipment that’s being used inside the office. Older copiers consume vast amounts of energy from being on throughout the business day. These should be updated to newer models with energy saving components built in. This same idea applies to older computer, monitors, phones, office appliances like microwaves and refrigerators, etc. Though it may be an expensive upfront cost for some of these items, the savings you’ll have in the long run will make it all worth it.
