Running a business comes with its expenses and let’s be real—electricity bills are a sneaky one of those. We tend to underestimate how much energy we use daily in our commercial spaces.
From lights that stay on longer than they should to HVAC systems working overtime, the cost of electricity adds up quickly.
The good news? There are many simple and creative ways to cut those bills without sacrificing productivity or comfort. After all, saving energy means saving money—and who doesn’t want a little extra in the business budget?
Let’s get into 10 ways you can start reducing your commercial electricity bill today.
1. HVAC systems
Heating and cooling can eat up a big chunk of your electricity bill, so optimising your HVAC system is a must.
First, make sure your thermostat is set to an energy-efficient temperature. Mr Emergency Electrical recommends 20°C in the winter and 25°C in the summer are good place to start.
Regular maintenance is also important. Change the filters, check for leaks and clean the vents to ensure the system is running efficiently.
If you haven’t already, consider getting a programmable or smart thermostat that adjusts the temperature based on when the building is occupied. No need to cool an empty office on the weekend, right?
2. Motion sensors and timers
You’d be surprised how often lights get left on in meeting rooms, bathrooms or break areas when nobody’s around. Motion sensors or timers can help with that. Install them in areas that aren’t used all the time so lights only turn on when someone’s in the room.
It’s a small change but can greatly impact your energy use, especially in larger commercial spaces.
3. Turn off equipment when not in use
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many businesses leave computers, printers and other office equipment on 24/7. Tell your team to shut down their devices at the end of the day. Better yet, get smart power strips that turn off power when devices enter standby mode.
Another trick? Unplug chargers when not in use. Even when they’re not plugged into a device they still draw energy, which is known as “phantom load”.
4. Energy audit
Sometimes, the best way to find out where you’re wasting energy is to bring in the experts. An energy audit will help you identify inefficiencies in your building’s energy use, such as poor insulation, outdated equipment or unnecessary lighting. Many utility companies offer energy audits for free or at a low cost.
5. Use natural light
Why use artificial lighting when you have the sun? If your office has plenty of windows, make the most of that natural light by moving workspaces closer to the windows. Not only will you use less artificial lighting, but you’ll also boost employee morale (because who doesn’t love a little sunshine?).
For super bright areas, you can even add window treatments to diffuse the light and reduce glare while still getting natural light.
6. Energy efficient appliances
Just like at home, the appliances you use in your business can make a big impact on your energy use. Whether it’s upgrading to ENERGY STAR-rated appliances or just choosing more efficient office equipment, the energy savings will add up over time.
From refrigerators in the break room to copiers in the office, newer models use less electricity without sacrificing functionality.
7. LED lighting
If your business is still using old incandescent bulbs or even CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps), it’s time to switch to LEDs. LEDs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer. Yes, there’s some upfront cost, but the energy savings over time will pay for it. Plus, you’ll change bulbs less often.
8. Use ceiling fans (and rotate them seasonally)
Ceiling fans can be a helpful and cost-effective addition to commercial spaces. They circulate air, making your HVAC system work more efficiently. In the summer, the fans rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down. In the winter, switch them to rotate clockwise at a low speed to circulate warm air back into the room. This simple step can make a big difference to how much your HVAC system has to work.
9. Seal doors and windows
Air leaks are energy thieves. If your office has drafty windows or doors, you’re losing heated or cooled air and your HVAC system has to work harder than necessary. Sealing gaps with weather stripping, caulking or insulation is a quick and cheap fix.
You should also consider double-glazed windows, which provide better insulation and reduce the need for excessive heating or cooling.
10. Get your team on board
Last but not least, get your team on board! Reducing your commercial electricity bill is much easier when everyone’s on the same page. Make energy efficiency part of your company culture by promoting simple habits like turning off lights when leaving a room, shutting down computers at the end of the day and being mindful of heating and cooling.
You can even set up a friendly competition between team members or departments to see who can save the most energy in a month with a small prize for the winner. Sometimes, it’s the small actions that add up to the biggest savings.
Simple steps to slash your electricity bill
Reducing your commercial electricity bill doesn’t have to mean big changes or big investments. In fact, many of the items on this list are low-cost or no-cost changes that will make a big difference.
Whether it’s upgrading to LED lights, optimising your HVAC system or just promoting energy-saving habits in the office, the key is to be consistent. A few small steps will add up to big savings over time—savings you can reinvest into your business instead of the utility company.
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