It seems as though there is no running from it; try as you may, winter makes an appearance each and every year whether you are ready for it or not. And while everyone is busy griping about the dropping temperatures and dampness in the air, as a business owner, you have a whole other list of complaints to contend to when it comes to a cold winter. That drop in temperature can create a real spike in your business energy costs, which will then take a bite out of the bottom line.
So, what are you to do as a business owner? You need to have heat in the office, and the temperatures outdoors can’t be ignored. Well the good news is that there are a number of tips that you can use to help combat the rising price of energy costs during a cold winter, and many of these tips can be used year-round to continue on the path of savings.
Negotiate Better Energy Prices
Here’s a tip that many businesses don’t even realise exists. Did you know that you may be able to switch utility providers and thereby save all kinds of money on your utility bills? For example, in Texas, consumers can make good use of energy comparison websites to compare energy plans and find the best electricity rates Texas. Statistics show that as many as 80% of businesses in the UK are in fact over-paying on their energy bills. That means you’re putting money in some other business’s pockets instead of keeping it as profits.
The problem is that many business owners don’t have the time or know how to negotiate a better rate. The good news is that you don’t have to take it on yourself. Sites like Utility Bidder act as an energy agent on your behalf, gathering business electricity comparison rates from the top UK suppliers.
Install Motion-Detector Lights
The next tip is to look for areas that you can install motion-detector lights rather than having lights on at all times. This will not only result in savings during the day while the business is operating, but at night there is no longer a need to leave all the lights on. This type of lighting can work well in hallways, break-rooms, washrooms, and so forth.
Encourage All Employees to Place Computers in Hibernate Mode
It’s also a good idea to encourage all employees to get into the habit of using hibernate mode for their computer or laptop at the end of their shift. This is especially helpful over a weekend where the computer will be sitting unused for a couple of days. Hibernate mode obviously uses much less energy than if the computer was left on, and it uses less energy than the popular sleep mode. The only downside is that it will take it a little longer to “wake up” once employees return to their desk.
There are also a number of other energy saving computer tips you can employ.
Make Use of Natural Light
If you have a lot of windows in your office/business space, you can also make use of natural light during the cold winter months. The heat from the sun will help to keep things warmer indoors, so pull open the shades and blinds while the sun is out.
Are There Any Draughts That Can Be Addressed?
Winter is also notorious for making it painfully obvious where any draughts or leaks may be in a building. Window and door frames tend to be the culprit, so take a close look to ensure everything is properly sealed up.
Use a Programmable Thermostat to Your Advantage
Here’s a tip you can take from homeowners, and that’s to use a programmable or Smart thermostat. You can have the temperature set to a comfortable position during the day while employees are at work, and then have it drop down a couple degrees during non-work hours. This won’t affect anyone’s comfort levels, yet just a couple degrees difference can make a huge difference on your energy costs.
You can also set it to remain low during the weekends when no-one is in the office. This tip in particular will offer immediate results.
Every Little Bit of Savings Counts
The thing to keep in mind when trying to lower your business energy costs during the winter months is that every tiny bit of savings counts. Even if these measures don’t seem like a lot individually, once you start adding up the total savings, it becomes very clear just how impactful the measures are. The key is to stay consistent and proactive with your energy-saving techniques.