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Every business comes with its own needs and demand for energy, never more than in 2022. As technology improves and becomes more widely available, so does our demand and reliance on energy and electricity to keep our operations running and running smoothly.
However, all of this comes at a cost, quite literally. The more appliances, equipment, lighting, and machinery that you incorporate into your workflow, the greater your energy demands become. Which eventually translates into a larger carbon footprint and higher energy bills. This is problematic for business owners everywhere, which is why we've put together this guide to help you reduce your energy costs in 2022.
Upgrade Your Lighting
Is your business still utilizing ancient incandescent lightbulbs? If so, it's time to make a change. Incandescent lightbulbs were one of the first forms of modern lighting technology, credited to Thomas Edison for their invention. But just because we've always done it one way doesn't mean it's the best way of doing it. In fact, according to the US Department of Energy, switching to energy-efficient lighting will reduce your energy consumption by up to 75 percent.
Consider opting for LED lights or light-emitting diode bulbs when looking for incandescent replacements. LED lighting is today's most energy-efficient and rapidly advancing lighting technology. They use up to 90 percent less energy than their incandescent counterparts and last up to 25 times longer. They also let off less heat which will keep your workspaces cooler and decrease your dependency on air conditioning.
While LEDs used to be known for their higher cost, the prices have decreased dramatically over the years and will likely continue to decrease.
Be Mindful of How You Use Your Lighting
We're told repeatedly to turn off the lights when we exit a room, and yet without fail, someone always seems to leave a light on. This remains true even in the business setting. And with lights as large and as powerful as the ones used in warehouse and manufacturing settings, that creates a dent in the electricity bill at the end of the month.
We recommend implementing a motion sensor system for your lighting to combat this. That way, lights will only turn on in certain quadrants of the facility when there is motion detected in that quadrant. This is effective in bathrooms, offices, kitchens, and eating spaces. Save money throughout your building with smarter and more efficient lighting practices!
Use Sunlight Wisely
As we know, natural light is an incredibly valuable resource in a number of ways; it adds more lighting to your workspaces without having to flip a switch and pay the grid, it's been proven to boost moods and improve the productivity of workers. It also naturally heats spaces without you needing to adjust the thermostat. However, some of these advantages can also be disadvantageous at times.
For instance, during the winter, when sunlight is streaming through the windows and warming the space, no one is going to complain. But when the same thing is happening on a 100 degree southern California day, you'll have some miserable employees and possibly some overheating machinery as well.
We recommend installing mechanical shades with blackout capabilities to help regulate the temperature of your workspace without needing to utilize your expensive heating and cooling systems.
Go Solar
Use it for more than just natural lighting and ambient heating on the topic of sun. Install a solar panels system and battery so that your business can generate and store its electricity. This could entirely cut your dependence on the grid or at least limit it drastically.
If you need assistance making any of these changes, don't hesitate to contact our industrial electrical contractors. With over 40 years of experience, we've handled it all and know how to help your business. Visit our website to learn more or call us at (323) 215-1273 to speak with a representative.
Interested to learn more about ways that you can reduce energy costs in 2022? Contact our electrical team today! Our team of professionals here at Southwest Electric have years of combined experience and can help you make electrical adjustments in your home that will help you save for years.
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