Making a small business energy-efficient can save the company money and make it more environmentally friendly. It can also improve the indoor air quality for employees, leading to a healthier work environment. Besides, it enhances production by reducing the chance of equipment malfunction due to temperature changes. 

Nevertheless, here are six ways to make your small business more energy-efficient

1. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

One of the easiest ways to make your small business more energy-efficient is to switch to energy-efficient lighting. LED bulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs or natural light sources like skylights. Unlike in the past, there are now many attractive and affordable options for energy-efficient lighting, so there’s no need to sacrifice style for sustainability.

Regular bulbs emit heat and light, so they can make your indoor space warmer in the summer. Therefore, you’ll have to use more energy to cool the space, negating any savings from using less electricity. However, LED bulbs emit very little heat, so they won’t contribute to making your space warmer. They also last much longer than traditional bulbs, bringing down replacement costs.

2. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

Using energy-efficient office equipment, for example, printers, computers, refrigerators, and dishwashers, is an excellent idea. Many energy-efficient appliances are now available at various price points, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality for sustainability.

Energy-efficient appliances often come with an energy-saving mode that can help reduce your electricity usage. For example, some printers have an energy-saving mode that only uses less power when printing documents with text. 

Similarly, many dishwashers have an energy-saving cycle that uses less water and energy. Many manufacturers now make energy-efficient versions of popular electronics, like laptops and TVs, that use less power, so they can help to reduce your energy usage.

3. Install Weatherstripping

It’s a simple and affordable way to make your small business more energy-efficient by sealing any gaps or cracks around doors and windows. The strategy prevents heat from escaping in the winter and cool air in the summer. It also keeps your indoor space comfortable, so you won’t have to use as much energy to heat or cool the space. Weatherstripping is also relatively easy to install, so you can do it yourself without hiring a professional. 

Additionally, a high-quality under door seal ensures that the space between the bottom of the door and the floor is properly sealed, reducing noise, moisture, and light. Door seals also help keep out drafts, which will ensure that you are efficiently using energy.

4. Unplugging Idle Electronics

Computers and printers continue to draw power even when they’re turned off. The process of phantom power or standby power could account for a significant portion of your electricity usage. To save energy, ensure to unplug electronics when not in use. If you have multiple electronics plugged into the same outlet, you can use a power strip to switch them off with one switch.

Train all employees to unplug electronics when they’re not in use, and make it a policy to unplug all electronics at the end of the day. However, some electronics should remain plugged in, including your refrigerator because unplugging and replugging them can use more energy than leaving them plugged in.

Refrigerators can spoil food if they’re turned off for too long, so only unplug them if you’re going to be gone for an extended time and if there’s no perishable food in the refrigerator. Surveillance cameras are another example of an electronic that should remain plugged in. If you unplug them, you won’t be able to monitor your business, which could lead to theft or vandalism.

5. Use Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats are a great way to make your small business more energy-efficient. They allow you to set the temperature for different times of the day, so you’re not using as much energy to heat or cool your space when it’s empty. 

For example, you can set the temperature to be lower at night or after closing business and then raise it again when you open. It could help reduce your energy usage and lower your energy bills. Additionally, many programmable thermostats now come with features that allow you to control them remotely, helping you adjust the temperature even when you’re not at your business.

6. Improve Insulation and Cooling Systems

You can improve the insulation of your business by ensuring that your cooling and heating systems are running efficiently. Regular maintenance will help to keep your systems running at peak efficiency. You should also seal your ductwork properly because leaky ducts can waste a lot of energy.

Conclusion

Making your small business more energy-efficient can be a great way to save money and reduce your environmental impact. There are simpler and affordable ways to do this apart from the six methods listed above. Remember that even small changes can make a big difference in saving energy. So, start making changes today and see how much you can save.