Weather (haha get it?) we like it or not, winter is coming. The winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere is on Wednesday, December 21st, and it’ll be the shortest “day” of the year and the longest night of the year. The good news is that after that, every day moving forward gets longer and longer.
The winter season can wreak havoc on ourselves and our utility bills. January is typically the peak heating month of the year, so you can expect some high heating bills in your mail.
We’ve come up with a few energy-saving tips that you can utilize for your business (and at home, too.) The main takeaway we want to leave you with is that if you’re going to spend money, you want to spend it wisely.
WASTE NOT, WANT NOT
Don’t waste energy (or money) on areas you’re not using.
We recommend only heating spaces in your facility that are in use every day. You can also consider lowering the temperature in hallways since they are only used for a couple of minutes at a time.
During the winter months, try to keep your thermostat between 65° and 70°, or at a temperature that is comfortable for both you and your employees. If your business doesn’t need hot water for anything except bathrooms, consider lowering the temperature on your water heater can also help you save money. Another pro tip is to wrap your water heater and pipes in insulation to keep heat from escaping.
Speaking of temperatures, keep the heat lower during off-hours to reduce your energy bill. This is why having programmable thermostats come in handy!
You can also reduce waste by installing lighting motion sensors so that you’re not raising your electricity use in rooms that are unoccupied.
TURN OFF ENERGY DRAINERS
Back in October, we covered some ways to identify and eliminate energy “vampires” or drainers. Turn off non-essential appliances when closed to conserve energy and reduce internal temperatures.
SAY NO TO DRAFTS
Inspect your business for any drafts that may be leaking in cold air and seal them. Make sure all furniture and belongings are away from the heating vents. You’re paying for that heat – don’t let it escape or be blocked!
ASSESS YOUR SPACE
Schedule an energy assessment to see how you can improve the efficiency of your business. Donnelly Energy offers free assessments for programs Direct Install all over the state of New Jersey. Schedule one today!
IMMEDIATELY REDUCE YOUR ENERGY RATES
Electric and gas deregulation (also known as third-party energy) in New Jersey allows customers to choose from competitively priced energy suppliers, different from their local utility, to provide electric and/or gas supply at a lower cost. One way your business can immediately reduce operating costs (without any upfront capital) is through our Energy Rate Savings Program.
MAKE THIS A TEAM EFFORT
Encourage employees to be mindful of their energy usage and involve them in the overall energy efficiency initiative for the business. Brainstorm with your employees on ways to cut down on your energy costs and routinely review your efforts.