Energy expenses are one of the top variable expenses for any small business. Instead of just accepting high energy bills as a fact of life, there are some ways you can reduce your costs. Since so many items affect your energy usage, you need to look at each area on where improvements can be made. You don’t need to start with the most expensive first. You can start with the easiest options and work into the more complex (and expensive) ones later. Here are some practical tips to get you started reducing your small business energy bills.

Switch to a Programmable Thermostat
This is a great way to regulate the temperature settings automatically so you don’t have to remember to adjust the settings when you leave for the day. You can program the thermostat with the settings that work best for your small business.

Shop around For Energy Suppliers
Here in the USA we don’t have the luxury of shopping for energy suppliers. In the UK they have that option, although there is a renewable window time frame that the change must be made in. One company that small business owners can use to help them shop around for an energy supplier is Make It Cheaper.

Invest in Energy Efficient Equipment
If you can invest in energy efficient office equipment from the start that’s great. If you can’t, then plan to switch to energy energy efficient equipment as it needs to be replaced. Even though the cost of the equipment can be more initially, over the years the savings in energy expenses will help to defray those initial expenses.

Power Down Computers
Computers should be turned off or at the very least powered down when not in use. Energy Star power management features place computers in sleep mode after a certain time period of inactivity.

Seal Any Energy Leaks
Don’t let air leaks waste your money. Inspect windows and doors for cracks. Caulk, seal, and weather strip your way to increased energy savings.

Have An Energy Audit Performed
Many energy companies offer a free energy audit to help identify ways to reduce your energy bill. This is a good idea to have done for your business and home. We had an energy audit done a few years ago which helped us to identify areas of energy waste. By fixing the issues that were found, we were able to decrease our energy bill.

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