How Businesses Can Reduce Energy Expenses During Cold Weather

How Businesses Can Reduce Energy Expenses During Cold Weather

The winter of 2017-2018 has brought another polar vortex to the northeastern United States. Record low temperatures inundate the region with icy winds and treacherous weather.

For businesses, the rise in energy rates in response to the colder weather eats into profits. Some businesses are already operating on low profit margins. Therefore, increases in business energy rates could mean serious financial hardships.

Electric companies continue to raise their rates to reflect demand. Meanwhile, other types of businesses can take steps to try and reduce their monthly energy bills. The more a business can save on energy costs, the more money will land on its bottom line during this truly challenging winter.

 

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Seek out Inefficient Windows and Doors

If you have ever stood by one of the doors or windows in your company’s building, you have probably felt a cold draft. That cold draft represents money going out the window.

Therefore, you can lower your energy rates simply by having a contractor come to your office to repair or replace all the insulation around your windows and doors. This is an inexpensive process that should pay for itself quickly. What’s more, it will make your office more comfortable.

 

Keep up with Routine Maintenance

When the really cold weather sets in, it puts your office and warehouse heating systems to the test. Older systems tend to be less efficient and cost more to operate.

However, routine monthly maintenance on those systems can help to raise their energy efficiency.

Therefore, be sure to have your maintenance team check the heating system regularly and change filters as needed. This will keep your system operating more cost-effectively.

 

Compare Energy Options

Businesses throughout the New York and New England areas can directly affect their business energy rates by choosing the energy provider that best suits their needs.

Go online and compare the different electric companies. Find the one that offers programs and rates that best fit your needs.

 

Turn Down the Thermostat

When you want to save money on your energy usage at home, you turn down the thermostat and put on a sweater. This is such a good idea that you should also use it at the office.

The difference is that in an office you have a lot more people. Those people all have different opinions about where the office thermostat should be set. However, you can find a happy medium and encourage employees to bundle up for the winter.

 

Reduce the Hot Water Temperature

Your office probably has several bathrooms with sinks that dispense warm and cold water. Meanwhile, most of your systems that require warmer water, such as research and manufacturing, heat that water with separate equipment.

For the general hot water that flows throughout the building, however, you can save a lot of money by turning the temperature of that water down for the winter.

 

 

Use Natural Heat

On sunny days, use the heat from the sun to help heat your offices. Use a special window film to reduce glare while allowing the ultraviolet heat rays from the sun to enter your building. If you can, move everyone who is close to the windows to different work locations. Doing so will avoid problems with heat and glare on sunny days.

 

Close off Unused Spaces

Many offices have unused spaces that add to the company’s energy bills each month. Find a way to close these areas off to prevent loss.

For example, you could consolidate all of your employees into one area. Bring in room dividers to baffle noises and create more privacy for workers.

Don’t let those wide open spaces add to the electric company’s profits.

 

Conclusion

The winter of 2017-2018 is proving to be a challenge in many ways. However, businesses throughout the US Northeast are finding ways to keep energy costs down while still being productive. It takes some effort on everyone’s part, but it is possible for your business to find ways to keep energy costs under control during the blustery weather of this frosty winter.

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