We all need technology for the various business functions in our daily lives. We utilize items, tools and appliances that make work, entertainment and other things way faster and more efficient than most traditional means. But there is a catch. The thing is that we cannot use these items and pieces of equipment without using up several forms of energy, with electricity being one of the topmost on the list. So it might be no surprise that your energy bills are soaring above the roof. There goes your savings that you will now have to spend on gas and electricity charges. But luckily for us consumers, it is not the end of the world. There are some steps you can take, such as hiring a utility bidder to help with consumption reduction and other services. We will cover the other things you can do later. But for now, we will cover the basics first.
The Many Shapes of Energy
Most of the things at our business settings use energy so that they can work. Computers and office equipment run on electricity. The same goes for tools and lighting systems. Things in the kitchen use electricity as well. But some of them utilize other types of energy, such as gas and water. But did you know that there are other types of energy at work? Check out some of them:
Solar Energy
This is a type of energy that comes mostly from the sun. It is a form of radiation that causes several reactions, as well as the generation of heat and electricity. We convert the power of the sun for our benefit through several means with solar panels being the most popular and effective way to do so.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy comes from deep within the earth. What happens is that we capture the heat energy from below the ground, harness and convert to usable energy. We then use the processed energy for cooking, heating, power generation, and so much more.
How Much Energy Does My Business Take Up?
Calculating this aspect requires you to consider a number of factors. For one, you have to think about your operation entirely. Some types of businesses out there eat up more energy than others. Your operation might be one of them. Perhaps you utilize several computer systems to make your business run. That means you need tons and tons of electrical power to make that happen.
Then there is the gas alternative. Perhaps you are a business that deals with heavy machinery that requires both electricity and gas. Then that alone will tell you that you do consume a lot of energy.
How much you take up also depends on some additional factors, including location, climate, availability and others.
What Things In My Business Consume More Energy?
Lighting
It comes as no surprise that lighting systems in a facility or complex take up most of the energy that a provider can offer. Most lighting systems consume at least seven to eight kilowatts per hour per square foot of electricity. Another factor that comes into play is the type of bulbs you have at your operation and the scale of the setting that uses them.
Heating And Cooling
Heating and cooling appliances and equipment take a lot of energy as well. But like lighting, how much you consume depends on the scale of the business, as well as the climate in your location. Heating and cooling takes up at least six to seven kilowatts per hour each square foot of electrical power. That calculation includes additional lighting and ventilation.
Computers And Laptops
Computers and laptops are not that much when it comes to hogging electric energy. But they are still capable of taking a lot, especially for a small business. While laptops cost less energy to operate, they will continue to eat up more once you leave them plugged and running.
So, What Can You Do?
Turn things Off!
It may sound simple enough, but most business owners do not consider how much energy they can save once they turn things operating on standby off. The thing with plugged items is that they still take up energy even on standby mode. Other appliances and devices will continue to do so even if you turn them off! So it would also go a long way to plug them off from the outlet. You will save on costs a lot through this method.
Utilize Nature To Your Advantage
You might be considering installing numerous artificial lighting systems in your complex. You are also thinking the same about ventilation and air conditioning units. But before you get into any of them, why now try out the natural approach? You have Mother Nature on your side to make things a little bit cheaper. What you can do is install large windows instead. This move will allow natural light to come into a room or rooms. Natural sunlight can light up a room for hours on end. Not only that, but the windows also allow ventilation and air conditioning – all without the expense!
Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
While lighting systems in a business is one of the most financially-consuming aspects of running one, it is also the area where you can save a lot of money. For one, you can utilize energy-efficient lighting as an alternative. You will definitely cut off a margin of your energy costs by installing CLF or LED lighting in your establishment. Some individuals might consider that replacing commercial lighting can be a daunting task. But what you can do is get in touch with a contracting company that will do the job on your behalf for the right price. Â
Energy Audit
One of the best options to save on business energy costs is to have an energy audit. You can ask your energy provider to do this process. Not only will you find out what consumes the most in your business. Such a move also lets you try out several actions that will surely save you a lot more money.
To Conclude Things
Running a business does cost a lot of money. Several things also do that. So what you can do is to take these steps one at a time. Doing so will surely let you save more money, especially in the long run. Another neat thing about these energy-saving tricks is that you also reduce pollution as you use less energy.
