Do you sometimes feel like energy savings are out of your reach? Take a look at these tips. They're simple, quick and effective. Companies like yours have implemented them successfully. If you wish to go further, do the ENERGY WISE Diagnostic for Small Service Companies. Lighting Heating and air conditioning Refrigeration Cooking Office equipment Replace fluorescent lighting with T-8 tubes There's a good chance that your business uses regular (T-12) fluorescent lighting with magnetic ballasts in your light fixtures. Retrofit these fixtures with T-8 tubes and electronic ballasts. These slimmer, more energy-efficient bulbs offer stronger, more natural lighting. They also eliminate most light flicker and generate less heat. Potential energy savings: 15–25%   To go further, do the ENERGY WISE diagnostic for your business. Heating: Lower thermostats and use programmable models You can save a considerable amount on your heating costs by lowering the thermostat just one or two degrees, without affecting your own comfort or that of your customers. Install programmable thermostats to raise and lower the temperature automatically as needed. Potential energy savings: 5–8%   To go further, do the ENERGY WISE diagnostic for your business. Air conditioning: Use your system only when you're open Don't run your HVAC (heating-ventilation-air conditioning) system at times of day when you don't need it. Another possibility is to lower the heating temperature or raise the air conditioning temperature when your premises are unoccupied. Install winter-summer programmable thermostats, as well. Potential energy savings: 5–10 %.   To go further, do the ENERGY WISE diagnostic for your business. Clean coils Dirty heat exchanger coils can significantly affect the efficiency of your refrigeration equipment. Clean them regularly. Potential energy savings: 2–5%   To go further, do the ENERGY WISE diagnostic for your business. Run capacity loads Whenever possible, try to cook, bake, fry or steam full-capacity loads. Potential energy savings (commercial bakery ovens): 30–60% Potential energy savings (fryers): 12–20%   To go further, do the ENERGY WISE diagnostic for your business. Purchase equipment with the ENERGY STAR® logo When purchasing computer equipment, copiers and other office equipment, look for systems that feature the ENERGY STAR® logo. It indicates equipment that meets energy efficiency standards, but costs no more than regular models. Approximately 70% of the computer industry is participating in the ENERGY STAR® program. Potential energy savings: Over 50%   To go further, do the ENERGY WISE diagnostic for your business.