58 Simple Ways For Your Business To Save Money

Did you know that, according to Duke Energy, “energy vampires are devices that use electricity even when they are turned off? Together they can account for up to 20 percent of your electric bill.” That’s quite the pretty penny.

Some of the biggest culprits are often used in an office setting, like cell phone and laptop chargers, projection cords, standby coffee makers, remote controlled devices, and clocks. These “wall warts” and “bricks” are costing businesses around the nation a fortune. To save money on your commercial energy bill, take a few (or all) of Warner Service’s best eco-friendly tips:

Office Space

Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), and switch them off when not in use.
Minimize artificial lighting.
Dust off lampshades, light fixtures, and light bulbs.
Turn off the heat during the winter, and opt for one of these eco-friendly techniques to stay warm.
Turn off the air conditioner during the summer, and choose one of these green ways to keep cool.
Check that the central air conditioner is the right size.
Clean the condenser coils on the air conditioner.
Replace the air filter monthly.
Consider renewable energy alternatives, like solar or wind, for power.
Clean the air ducts.
Insulate the water heater.
Use thicker drywall to prevent heating and cooling loss.
Recycle paper, plastic, glass, and cardboard.
Reuse cardboard boxes.

Technology

Invest in a programmable thermostat.
Turn the thermostat to optimal working temperature.
Print paper only when necessary and on both sides to reduce waste.
Use black and white printing instead of color.
Print using an ink-jet printer instead of a laser printer.
Shred unwanted scrap paper, and use it as packing material for shipping.
Use email instead of faxes for newsletters and other memos.
Use the hibernation or “sleep” feature on computers and tablets.
Swap the desktop computer for laptops, which consume less energy.
Invest in power strips for multiple devices.
Buy energy-efficient technology with the ENERGY STAR label.
Use heavy equipment during off-peak hours (before noon and after 7 p.m.)

Exterior

Use high-pressure, efficient sodium light bulbs for outdoor illumination.
Put an awning over south- and west-facing windows.
Install a water collection system that redirects rainwater to the landscaping.
Seal doors and windows with weather-stripping and caulk to avoid drafts and air leaks.
Replace old windows with high-performance ones.
Paint the roof and walls white.

Kitchen and Bathroom

Invest in motion-sensor lights and exhaust fans.
Avoid opening and closing the office refrigerator to browse.
Wait until hot foods cool before putting them into the refrigerator.
Make a large pot of coffee or tea to share instead of using the microwave or coffeemaker multiple times.
Use sugar and cream dispensers to avoid wasting the paper packets.
Keep the refrigerator’s evaporator coils clean.
Check refrigerant levels.
Install low-flow toilets and faucets.
Turn off faucets completely when not in use.
Install shutoff valves to faucets to save hot water.
Provide air dryers instead of using paper towels.
Offer reusable dishes instead of paper plates and cups and plastic silverware.

Other

Carpool, walk, bike, or take public transportation to work.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
Allow employees to occasionally work from home, and use Skype or FaceTime to hold virtual meetings.
Disconnect your landline, and hook up business calls to your laptop with a headset.
Hire a contractor to perform an independent energy audit.

Introducing small changes in your business’ behavior, like installing energy-efficient equipment, light sensors and smart thermostats, can have a significant financial impact on your company’s energy bills. Imagine what companies, small and large, could do by saving up to 20 percent on their energy bill. Employees could benefit in the form of raises, bonuses, and paid vacation time, sick days, or maternity leave.

If you’d like more nuggets of advice on saving energy, HVAC and plumbing maintenance, and going green, follow us on Twitter by clicking below:

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58 Simple Ways For Your Business To Save Money