As the days grow shorter and temperatures plunge, businesses face the challenge of maintaining a comfortable work environment while keeping energy costs under control. The good news is that there are numerous strategies you can implement to significantly reduce heating costs and minimise your business's environmental impact during the winter.
Maintaining a consistent temperature in the winter, rather than allowing it to fluctuate significantly, can enhance overall comfort. This may seem counterintuitive, but it is actually more efficient and cost-effective. Setting your thermostat to a temperature between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius is generally considered ideal for indoor comfort. Moreover, lowering the thermostat by just one degree can potentially reduce heating bills by up to 10%.
Insulation acts as a thermal shield for your building, keeping the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer. Air leaks, on the other hand, can be sneaky, allowing heat to escape and cold air to enter, making your heating system work harder. Take the time to seal air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings using weather stripping and caulk.
Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs or CFLs. LEDs consume significantly less energy, up to 90% less than incandescent bulbs, and last up to 25 times longer. This simple switch can have a dramatic impact on your energy savings.
Even when turned off, many electronic devices continue to draw power when plugged in, a phenomenon known as standby power consumption. Unplug all electronics when not in use to eliminate idle energy drain.
Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature in your premises based on your business’s schedule. Smart technology can help you save energy by turning down the heat when you're away or the business is closed.
Schedule regular maintenance for your appliances and HVAC, including cleaning filters, checking for leaks, and replacing worn parts. Upgrade to energy-efficient equipment, such as new boilers, radiator boosters, and automatic bleeders. These upgrades can lead to significant energy savings over time.
Up to 20% of the energy currently consumed in businesses can be saved through changing behaviour. Engage your employees in developing and implementing energy-saving initiatives by making energy efficiency visible and measurable: display energy consumption data in common areas, such as break rooms or hallways to raise awareness and encourage employees to monitor their energy usage.
46% of electricity in businesses is used outside of standard operating hours. Our Energy Monitoring Software can help you monitor and optimise the energy consumption patterns of your business with real-time data. Take full control of your utilities and identify areas for improvement while cutting your costs, consumption, and carbon footprint.
Energy audits can pinpoint hidden energy-saving opportunities and provide recommendations for cost-effective, energy-saving measures. Speak to us today to schedule a professional energy audit to identify areas where your business can further improve its energy efficiency.
We can help you switch and save. Our team works with leading UK suppliers to offer you an extensive range of options, expert advice, and consultancy. We’ll match your business needs with the right rate and contract.
As energy costs continue to rise, implementing energy-saving measures becomes increasingly important. By implementing these energy-efficient practices, you can significantly reduce the heating expenses of your business, minimise your environmental impact, and reach your sustainability goals this winter.
Not sure where to start? Speak to an Energy Expert and start planning your business’ energy and cost efficiency today.