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Nobody said running a business would be easy. Developing a product to sell, finding the right employees, and building a brand are all difficult tasks, but estimating expenses is near impossible. Office space, payroll, and equipment all cost money, and so does the power needed to run them.

With the growing concern over energy usage, more and more businesses are turning their focus towards reducing their carbon footprint. Whether you want to cut back on your energy consumption in order to save some money or save the environment, here are eight things you can try:

  • Schedule an energy audit. Look up a local energy auditing service, and schedule an audit as soon as possible. Through the use of high-tech equipment and several complex tests, an energy audit can identify your inefficiencies and tell you how to fix them.

  • Upgrade to CFL light bulbs. If you are still using old incandescent light bulbs in your office, you need to upgrade to compact florescent. CFLs last longer and use up to 75% less energy than standard bulbs.

  • Turn equipment off overnight and on weekends. When your office is empty, there is no need for most of your equipment to be running. Make sure to turn off all the lights, computers, and other electronic devices in your office before heading out for the night or weekend.

  • Invest in a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats cost a little bit of money up front, but they quickly pay for themselves with the year-round savings they provide. Turn your heating/cooling system off overnight, but have it kick back on early in the morning so the office is at a comfortable temperature by the time your workers arrive.

  • Get your HVAC system tuned up. An annual tune up can do wonders for your HVAC system. In addition to improving its energy-efficiency, regular maintenance also helps prevent breakdowns and extends the lifespan of your unit.

  • Upgrade old, inefficient equipment. If it is time to upgrade some of your equipment, upgrade to a new, energy-efficient model. This can apply to advanced machinery, or the refrigerator in your break room – every little bit helps.

  • Make use of natural lighting. During the day time, leave your curtains open so you rely less on artificial lighting. Installing skylights can eliminate the need for light bulbs on most days.

  • Use electronic metering equipment. By using power monitoring equipment, you can see (in real time) how much energy your business is consuming. The utilization of submeters can break this down even further, categorizing your energy usage into specific departments, floors, machines, etc. Using this information, you can develop and implement energy saving programs and use the same meters to track their success.

Interested in learning more about power meters for your business? Electro Industries has been manufacturing them for 40 years, and we are the preferred provider for several corporations, utility providers, and even the US Army. Visit our website to view our products or contact one of our associates at 866-928-7908.