Ten tips to save on your electricity bill !
As a manager, your business’ financial results are important to you. Did you know that efficiently managing your energy consumption can help you improve your organization’s bottom line and gain a competitive edge? Just a few simple, low-cost changes can lead to considerable savings. Here are ten tips and hints to help you bring down electricity costs.
1) Keep track of your thermostat.
Maintain a sensible setting in occupied areas (21 in winter and 24 in summer) and lower the temperature in the areas that are unoccupied,or less occupied, in winter (e.g. fire escape stairs and storage rooms). The work areas will be comfortable and the building won’t be overheated or over air‑conditioned.
Did you know ? Heating can account for up to 60% of an SME’s energy needs. You could save a lot by choosing the right products and adopting good energy habits. For example, lowing the heat by just one degree Celsius can help reduce your heating costs by 5 to 7%
2) Install electronic thermostats for comfort and savings.
By replacing your conventional thermostats with electronic ones, you could save up to 10% on your annual heating costs, while increasing your comfort.
In addition to maintaining a stable, even temperature that varies by no more than 0.5°C from the setting, electronic thermostats continuously monitor room temperature and display it accurately.
3) Move air more efficiently.
Make sure there aren’t any papers, files or office equipment blocking the vents.
Did you know ? Air circulation requires 25% more energy when the vents are not totally clear. Remember this simple tip to help lower your electricity bill.
4) Consider your windows.
Detecting and sealing air leaks is a simple and inexpensive way to limit the energy costs related to windows. Regular window cleanings will let a maximum of daylight in and could help lower your lighting-related electricity costs. If you plan to install new windows, be sure to choose energy-efficient ones to save on heating costs.
Did you know ? Most air leaks occur around windows, so installing or replacing weather stripping or applying caulk will stop the cold winter air from getting in and help lower your electricity bill. Give it a try, even if your windows are new !
5) Shut the blinds.
Closing curtains and blinds on winter nights will stop cold air around windows from spreading, which will optimize heating. Keeping them closed on hot summer days, if you can, will decrease your air‑conditioning needs.
Certain types of curtains and blinds claim to increase the window’s energy rating, but there is currently no recognized rating system for window treatments. Speak with your supplier to make the best choices based on your windows and their exposure.
6) Remember these bright ideas.
When it comes to lighting, there are a number of small changes that can help you save energy. For example, turn off the lights when you leave a room. Before heading home, remember to turn off any work lights. Installing a more efficient lighting system can also lead to major savings: replace old fluorescent tubes with more recent, energy-efficient ones and switch out old light fixtures with LEDs. Motion sensors and controls can also help you reduce costs by automatically turning off the lights in unoccupied spaces.
Did you know ? LED bulbs consume 70 to 90 % less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 15 times longer.That makes them ideal for hard‑to‑reach spots
7) Don’t forget your electronics.
Before going to a meeting, taking a coffee break or leaving for lunch, put your computer in sleep or standby mode. At the end of the day, turn off your electronics, since they draw power even when they’re on standby.
When considered individually, electronics such as computers, tablets and printers don’t consume that much electricity, but it all adds up. Up to 40% of the annual energy consumption of electronic devices occurs when they’re not in use.
8) Use hot water wisely.
Make sure all the faucets are turned off and fix any leaks.
Did you know ? A hot water tap that drips at a rate of one drop per second wastes about 27 litres of hot water every day, the equivalent of 20,000 bottles of water a year.
9) Take advantage of our energy efficiency tools and programs
Hydro-Québec met à votre disposition plusieurs outils vous aidant à mieux gérer votre consommation d’électricité.
Hydro-Québec offers a range of tools to help you better manage your electricity use. Your Consumption Profile in your Customer Space can help you understand your consumption and the factors that affect it. In addition, you may be eligible for some of our energy efficiency programs, like the Efficient Solutions program. Have a look !
10) Get all hands on deck.
Fostering a work culture that promotes energy efficiency will make your business more competitive. To change your organization’s practices, your employees must work together and share the responsibility for saving energy. Reducing energy consumption affects and benefits society as a whole. Why not put up posters on the energy‑saving practices ?
For more quick and easy ideas to lower your electricity bill and make your business more profitable, go to our webpage aimed at small business owners.