If you own and operate a commercial business, you understand what it takes to keep things running smoothly. Knowing how much you spend on your electricity bill and overall energy usage is an important part of tracking your spending. If you are looking for ways to decrease this amount, here are some helpful tips.
#1: Use the right products.
Look around your commercial space. Are your appliances and other machines Energy Star rated? Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program helped save commercial buildings and industrial plants approximately $14 billion in excess energy costs. If your equipment is outdated, consider installing new, Energy Star appliances to save money and do your part to help conserve Earth’s resources.
#2: Turn off unused equipment.
Office equipment like computers, task lights, printers, copiers, and monitors can save significant energy if they are turned off or put to ‘sleep mode’ when they are not in use. Other larger equipment like heating and cooling systems can also be turned off or turned down when not needed. Small adjustments like this can cut energy costs, sometimes up to 40%. In addition to turning off equipment during off-hours, make sure you stay on top of maintenance for the machines in your building. For example, schedule preventative maintenance appointments for your heating and cooling system at least once a year. This will ensure that the system is functioning at peak efficiency and that energy is not being wasted.
#3: Upgrade your lighting.
Lighting makes up a large portion of a commercial building’s energy consumption. So, if you focus your efforts on replacing all your lighting with LED lighting. Did you know that according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, standard fluorescent lights are used in about 93% of commercial buildings? If you have fluorescent lighting, LED panel lights are a great upgrade option. They can be mounted on various kinds of surfaces, in addition to recessed ceilings or grid ceilings. They are smooth, lightweight, and provide great light without noticeable bulbs. LED lights can last 10 to 15 years or longer, as well, which not only keeps you saving money in energy usage, but also in replacement bulbs. Right now, you could save even more money by taking advantage of rebates from Tacoma Public Utilities, which could provide up to 100% rebates for lighting upgrades.
#4: Check your electrical panel.
Is your electrical panel so old that it’s unsafe? Maybe it is using excess electricity to perform basic functions. If the panel in your building is more than 20 years old, it’s probably time to consider a replacement. The longer you wait, the more risk you have of increased utility bills, an unexpected electrical failure, or even worse – a fire. Replacing your electrical panel is a job for a commercial electrician. Our experienced Tacoma electricians at Tapps Electric will do a complete electrical inspection and panel replacement quickly and efficiently, so you can continue business operations without any major interruption.
Energy cost savings are on the minds of many commercial building owners and operators. Thankfully, there are many solutions available that can help you do your part to save energy and keep your building operating in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Contact our experienced team today to learn more about how we can help get your lighting replaced or a new electrical panel installed. We have the training and expertise you can count on.
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