Cutting Energy Costs

Home » Industrial » Cutting Energy Costs

Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Cutting Energy Costs

Businesses looking to cut costs should consider looking into the energy practices of their company. Studies show that businesses waste tons of energy in overlooked areas each year. This waste creates high bills for the business owner and is damaging to the environment. Luckily, there are many ways to reduce your business energy costs to free up funds, benefit the environment and even earn tax credits for your energy efficient business.

The first step is evaluation of business energy practices. Are the lights turned off every night? Do computers remain on after employees have left for the day? After your evaluation, it is time to create documentation for your new energy saving best practices. Creating energy guidelines for your business will help ensure that employees are aware of energy saving methods and will help contribute to the common goal of cutting energy costs.

The government also offers hefty tax credits for businesses that invest in renewable energy systems such as solar paneling and replacing light bulbs with more efficient models. Whether you are a business owner looking to invest in green technology or you're simply interest in the cost-saving element, Business.com provides valuable resources for products and services that will get you started on cutting energy costs.

Cutting Your Energy Costs

When it comes to conserving energy, small businesses can typically save as much money and prevent as much pollution per square foot as big companies. And all types of small businesses can easily cut energy costs, from home-based businesses and restaurants, to inns, service firms and even non-profits. A great place to help you do it is Uncle Sam's "Energy Star" program for small business which delivers a powerful package of benefits that you can access for free. Environmental leadership adds value to your brand and your business. What you get by joining the Energy Star program:

Free, accurate and unbiased information on cutting your energy costs.
A toll-free technical support hotline.
A "how-to" guide for analyzing and upgrading energy efficiency at your facility.
A resource directory of lenders willing to help small businesses with energy upgrades.
Connections to energy equipment and service contractors and utilities.
Free workshops and seminars on improving energy efficiency.
National and local recognition, plus PR materials to promote your efforts.

Get more free tips and ideas for your small business at BizBest.

Explore the energy- and money-saving resources at Energy Star

This program is geared to the specific needs of small business.
Try: At the main Energy Star Web site, you can calculate potential savings, find answers to common questions or ask a technical question related to the program or saving energy at your small business.

Find energy saving product and service providers fast

Energy Star service and product providers can help identify and implement quality projects that will improve your total energy management.
Try: Use this Directory to locate the companies that can provide you the services and products that will help lower operating costs and increase your bottom line.

See small business energy-saving success stories

Small businesses of all types coast-to-coast are saving big on energy costs.
Try: For example, Kiddie U's daycare and learning facility in Orlando, FL is saving about $6,500, and preventing more than 120,000 pounds of CO2 emissions annually with high-efficiency air-conditioning, programmable thermostats, T8 fluorescent lamps/electronic ballasts, occupancy sensors, and optimal insulation. See how others are doing it.

Get financing for energy upgrades

Higher-cost energy upgrades may require financing.
Try: Click on your state to find financial resources for small business.

Investigate options for your specific type of business or industry

Energy Star offers information and resources tailed to various small business types.
Try: Click your business or industry: Grocery & Convenience Stores; Home Based Businesses; Lodging; Manufacturing; Renters & Tenants; Restaurants; Service & Product Providers.

Discover regional, state and local energy saving programs

Offerings can include financial and technical assistance to improve the energy efficiency of your business.
Try: See which states have programs available now.

Go for private sector solutions

Uncle Sam's not the only one offering free and unbiased help for cutting energy costs at your business.
Try: ENERGYguide can show you the many energy-saving options available to your business. ENERGYguide has information on how to lower your energy bills by replacing equipment, changing the way you use energy, or selecting a different electric or gas supplier if you live in a deregulated state. On ENERGYguide, you can: Sign up with an energy supplier of your choice; analyze your business energy use; shop for energy-efficient products for your business, and find a contractor.

Get cash back for your small business energy upgrades

Many suppliers and utility companies offer cash incentives for taking energy saving steps such as replacing lighting or joining special programs.
Try: See ENERGYGuide's More Ways to Save and enter your Zip Code to see what's available in your area.

Tap these other energy resources

Find other energy saving options at these supplier and information sites.
Try: Appliances; Energy Efficiency; Energy Types - Solar ; Energy Types - Wind ; Environment ; Remodeling .

If you are thinking about purchasing a new heating system, central air conditioning system, or room air conditioner for your business, look for ENERGY STAR models. These are the most energy efficient models on the market and will save you money.
Your office won't warm up any faster if you raise the thermostat setting. When your heating system is on it runs at the same rate regardless of the temperature setting.
Shut the doors to your business or at least try to minimize the number of times that doors to the outside are opened and closed.
Closing the heating vents or radiators in an unoccupied office can save 5-10% on your heating costs.
Leaks develop in all air ducts over time. Sealing these leaks in ducts can reduce heating costs by up to 20% with reductions of 10% extremely common.
Take advantage of the heat from the sun. Open shades on the southern and eastern windows during the day. Close these shades when the sun goes down to keep the heat from escaping.