Small business owners and financial managers are always looking for ways to cut corners and save money on bills. What about saving money on your company’s electric bill?
Take a look around your workspace and think about the essential equipment you use daily. How much of it is plugged into an electrical outlet? Chances are, most of it.
In today’s world of business, workers rely on computers, fax machines, printers, copiers, air conditioners, heaters and lights. But it’s possible to use all that equipment and reduce your electric bill by following these seven guidelines.
1. When purchasing office equipment, look for the EnergyStar label that indicates the machine meets the EPA’s energy conservation standards. These machines have “sleep” modes so they consume less power when they are not being used. Also consider purchasing an all-in-one machine that combines a fax machine with a printer and a copier. By reducing the number of machines that are plugged into outlets, you are reducing the amount of electricity you use. 2. When you leave the office, turn off things that use electricity. This includes your computer. It’s a myth that you use more electricity when you boot up a computer than you do by leaving it on. 3. Keep an eye on your lights. Replace incandescent bulbs with high-efficiency bulbs that screw into regular sockets. It’s also a good idea to dust light bulbs on a regular basis — dust diffuses light and reduces the amount of light that is given off. 4. Use timers to automatically turn lights on and off. 5. Install a programmable thermostat that can regulate the temperature throughout the entire office. 6. Install a ceiling fan to circulate air in your office instead of using a space heater or air conditioner. 7. Make sure that your office is properly insulated so you don’t end up paying for heat seeping out of drafty doors and windows.
Reducing your electric bill is a mix of common sense and practicality. There is one last piece of electricity advice: Plug all your equipment into surge protectors. Although a surge protector won’t reduce your electric bill, it will save you from having to replace equipment that got fried during a power spike or a brownout.
