The dog days of summer have arrived, and with them peak energy use. Air conditioners are pumping at full blast, and energy managers are dreading next month’s power bill.
What can businesses do to conserve power and control costs? Here are a few simple tips:
- Set the thermostat to 78 degrees while facilities are in use, and 80 or above when not in use.
- Check all air filters and change as necessary. Service units regularly to make sure they are running at peak efficiency.
- Install programmable thermostats to automatically adjust according to your desired settings.
- Replace older equipment with newer, more energy-efficient models.
- Check in with LG & E about possible rebates for new energy-efficient equipment. LG & E also offers a demand conservation program which may provide your business with modest monthly savings.
- If you use an outside vendor to providing vending machines in your facility’s break room, check with them to see if the machines are Energy Star machines. If they are not, negotiate for an upgrade.
- Replace all incandescent light bulbs with more energy efficient CFL or LED bulbs.
- Don’t forget outside lights. Put outside lights on timers or sensors, or make sure they are shut off during daylight hours.
- Install motion sensors that automatically turn off lights when rooms are unoccupied.
- Keep window shades/blinds drawn to block heat, or install screens or film to reflect bright sunlight.
- Turn off and/or unplug equipment when not in use.
- Consider flexible work arrangements where appropriate. If employees duties don’t require them to physically be in your office, why not have them work from home? Fewer workers in the office means less demand for lighting, cooling and power.
- Maximize your landscaping to shade and shelter your building. An ocean of asphalt is not the most energy-efficient setting. A few well-placed trees can block the sun’s rays from heating up your facility.