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From simply remembering to turn the lights off to upgrading your equipment and appliances, there are many ways you can take steps to reduce your business’ overall energy use.
Give high energy-use lighting the flick
To help reduce the amount of energy your business uses, it’s easy to start with your lighting. Try replacing traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs with long-lasting, low energy LEDs (light emitting diodes). Using dimmers, timers or motion sensors on light fittings to adjust a room’s lighting and turning off lights that aren’t needed for security and safety can all help you reduce your electricity bill.
Is your business a smart business?
You can use technology and apps to connect your premises with your IT systems and employees. Using smart sensors connected to your internet network to monitor temperature could help you control your energy usage. Motion sensors and heating and cooling monitors can all help you track your usage as well*.
Full steam ahead for improving your business’ efficiency
Lots of energy is used to heat water. Upgrading your business’ hot water system and tailoring it to your needs can lead to reductions in your energy bills and greater energy efficiency. From the water boiler for your tearoom or a large solar hot water system, choosing an energy efficient product is important#.
Does your fridge need a refresh?
Most businesses use refrigerators, whether as part of their offering or for keeping staff lunches and milk fresh. The older the fridge, the less energy efficient it is. When upgrading, check the energy star rating, set your fridge at recommended food safety standards and maintain it regularly. Ensure you have the appropriate sized fridge for your needs and keep it as full as possible for more efficiency.
Star-studded lineup: Understanding Energy Rating Stars
The Energy Rating Label on appliances helps you compare energy efficiency and running costs before you buy. The star rating is about how efficient a particular product or model is, compared to others of a similar size. The more stars, the better.
Set-up for success with your heating and cooling
There are some simple ways to reduce your business energy costs, especially when it comes to heating and cooling efficiency. Set the thermostat to 24ºC in summer, 20ºC in winter^ and look at your insulation, draught-proofing, shading and even window-tinting to see if you can reduce your energy use. Close off low-use areas too, so you’re not using heating/cooling unnecessarily*.
Your Kitchen Rules
Using timers to switch off appliances such as coffee makers, sandwich presses and hot bain-maries can save time and effort and money. Regular maintenance of cooking equipment, checking oven and fridge seals and turning off appliances where possible at the end of your working day all help too.
Seal the deal: check your insulation and identify draughts
Insulation and draught-proofing could lower your heating and cooling usage – and make things more comfortable for everyone at work. Make sure doors and windows are closed whenever the heating/cooling is on so that your potential energy savings don’t just fly away. With regular maintenance and an efficiency-first approach, you could also reduce your emissions from your energy usage*.
Solar could be a good FiT for your business
It’s a big investment but if eligible, adding solar power to your business could bring long-term benefits and cost-savings on your electricity bill. Plus, it shows customers you’re committed to the environment, and with a battery storage system, you could save even more. Happy days – or, sunny days*!
Wondering about your business energy use and what plan might suit your business best? Put your energy in the right place with EnergyAustralia’s Australia-based team of business energy specialists and find out how we can help.
*Tips for saving energy in your business | Business Queensland
#Upgrade your hot water system | NSW Climate and Energy Action
^How Air Con Temperature Settings Impact Costs – Canstar Blue
Remember, the advice in this blog is general and may not be relevant to your circumstances. Energy prices vary from time to time, and we don’t guarantee that these tips can reduce your energy usage or costs, as your they can vary for a range of reasons, including your business type, building size and location. Always follow the instructions provided with any appliances or systems you purchase and seek professional or manufacturer advice if needed.