Now that summer is upon us, it’s a good time for small businesses to rethink their energy needs. With temperatures down South reaching into the 100s, things like air conditioning can skyrocket your energy bill.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to curb those costs.
For years the most common energy-saving device has been to turn off the lights when you leave a room.
But, let’s be honest, no one remembers to do that!
In an office, it can be even worse. You want your employees focused on their work, not how much flipping the switch will save on your electric bill.
Motion detecting lights are the perfect solution. These lights will turn themselves off when no one is in the room, eliminating the need for everyone to remember. They work best for conference rooms and bathrooms, which are seldom used and can sit fully lit for days without anyone noticing.
Harsh overhead fluorescent lights not only cost more to use, they also contribute to headaches and fatigue.
Do yourself and your employees a favor by switching up the lighting around the office. Try a variety of lamps around the office. Open the curtains and let in natural light.
Take some time to play with the light levels to ensure everyone’s comfort. There’s a balance between too much and too little light, and you want to find what works best for your company.
Everyone loves a good screensaver, but the truth is they take the same amount of energy as anything else on the screen.
Instead of screensavers, instruct employees to turn off the monitor or put it in sleep mode when they leave. This simple solution, spread across your whole company, will save a lot in energy costs.
While you’re at it, consider unplugging all devices when everyone leaves for the day. Plugged in devices still use energy, but simply switching off the power strip can reduce the amount used.
This suggestion might sound crazy, but hear us out.
If employees are allowed to work from home, your in-office energy costs will obviously be lower. Many businesses enact a “summer schedule,” allowing employees half or whole days off on Fridays.
Thanks to services like Google Hangouts, employees can still communicate throughout the day and stay productive. Or, if you allow employees to work a few more hours on other days and take Fridays off, you’ll be popular as well as energy-efficient!
Schaffhouser Electric can help. Contact Schaffhouser Electric today!
Category: Electrical Saving