Simple Solutions for Businesses to Save Money on Energy and Technology

Businesses are not formed to spend money, but to make money. Keeping the costs of running a business down is smart stewardship that will help it grow, attract others by its success and benefit the people and community involved. Because every business needs energy and technology in some form to exist, saving money on these essentials can significantly improve the bottom line.

Solar Solutions

Using solar panels to provide energy for homes today is very common. Businesses have as much to gain from going solar as homeowners do and can benefit from no or low energy bills in their monthly expenses. Net metering, or being able to save or sell back to the grid electricity generated but not used, is a possibility for saving money. Not only does solar power make use of readily available energy from the sun, but it also does so without harmfully impacting the environment. Going solar makes use of a renewable energy source, it reduces energy costs and presents the opportunity of benefitting from excess energy.

Water Solutions

Faucets that have aerators limiting how much water is dispensed save water, which saves natural resources for communities and money for businesses. Employees washing hands or supplies with these faucets will save money every time they use them. If businesses provide water for employees, utilizing refillable cups can save money on plastic bottles. Encouraging personal cups from home or having company cups to build morale are both ideas to make reusable containers a positive choice for a business. If a business washes towels, clothes, or any other type of material in a washing machine, using a cold setting instead of hot will save the energy needed to heat the water.

Lighting Solutions

There are many ways to save money by controlling what light bulbs are used in light fixtures and when those fixtures are turned on. LED bulbs and compact fluorescent lamps are both better choices for saving on energy costs than general-purpose bulbs. Motion detectors or timers to determine when lights are turned on will save energy because the lights will only be on when necessary. Making use of windows for natural lighting can be done if desks and chairs are placed with this in mind and will reduce energy consumption. Well-maintained windows help with energy efficiency by keeping the heat and air conditioning inside.

Heating Solutions

Another source a business can look at for saving money involving energy and technology is the water heater. By using a programmable energy-efficient water heater, the energy will only be used when the business will need it. Thermostats can also be controlled on a timer so that the desired temperature is met only when needed. Quality insulation is necessary for maintaining low costs for heating and cooling. A building that is properly insulated and maintained will keep energy costs at a minimum and protect the technological investments it houses.

Mechanical Solutions

Businesses can save money by purchasing energy-efficient machines of every type necessary for what they do. Vehicles, appliances, computers, and supportive supplies can all be selected with their electrical consumption taken into consideration. Energy-efficient appliances can help businesses save money on energy by using the best technology available for conserving energy. In addition to the original purchase, consideration can also be given to day-to-day usage for ways to cut costs, and things that are not in use can be unplugged to conserve energy. Microwaves, coffee makers, copiers, and laptops can all be disconnected from the power source when not in use. Even though they are individually small amounts of electricity, it all adds up.

Every business uses energy and technology each day to get the job done. Keeping costs down in these areas involves making decisions that support the efficient use of necessary resources and machines, including water, electricity, temperature control devices, and energy-friendly appliances. Advances in technology could lead to even better savings and greater changes in energy creation and consumption.