Our online account management system, SmartHub, lets you monitor your business’ electricity usage and history, from a pc, tablet, or mobile device. With SmartHub, view easy-to-read usage graphs with monthly or daily information, as well as local weather data. Being aware of your electric usage helps you to budget, plan, and take simple actions to save money.
This list is excerpted from “Energy Matters for Small Business: A Guide to Saving Energy and Money.” To request the entire publication, please contact us at (541) 746-1583 or email Customer Service.
Turn Off Lights & Electronics
Turn lights, computers, and other equipment off when they are not in use. This is easy to do, once you think about it. Let workers know that you appreciate their help in this effort. Computers often have an energy saver mode, but workers sometimes disable it. Consider adding automatic controls, too, such as programmable thermostats, timers, and occupancy sensors. A programmable thermostat can cut heating and cooling costs by a third, compared to a building that does not use energy-saving settings.
Share Your Enthusiasm
Share your enthusiasm for saving energy with workers and customers. Post energy-saving tips for workers, and reward them for useful suggestions. Consider posting small signs to request customer support on closing doors, turning off bathroom lights, and shutting off faucets. You can also show your community spirit by letting people know you support local energy and environmental programs, or purchase green power.
Clean Filters
Regularly change or clean filters in heating, ventilating, and cooling (HVAC) equipment. During peak heating or cooling season, change or clean filters monthly. They usually cost about $3, but a new filter can save $5 or more per month. You will also enjoy the cleaner air. Have a contractor clean and tune your HVAC system annually. This will increase operating efficiency and may prevent costly emergency repairs.
Use Fans
Use fans whenever possible. Ceiling fans, which gently move room air, add comfort and save energy. According to Energy Star, you can raise summer air conditioning temperatures by 3 to 5 degrees with no loss of comfort if you add ceiling fans. Every degree raised on the thermostat typically saves about 3% on cooling costs. Switch reversible fans in winter to pull cool air upward and force warm, risen air back downward.
Replace Lights
When replacing lights, use LED lamps in place of incandescent bulbs and CFL’s, and use lower-wattage LED’s in place of old fluorescent tubes. LED’s last up to 3 times longer and use a fraction of the energy, compared to incandescent bulbs and CFL’s. Look for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star label to assure the highest quality.