Slash Your Energy Bills: 3 Proven Methods to Reduce Operating Costs in Small-to-Medium Commercial Buildings

Over the years there has been an abundance of statistics and evidence suggesting that reducing energy consumption goes a long way at cutting costs. In fact, Energy Star claims that the average small to medium office space wastes 30% of the energy it consumes. That means roughly 30% of your utility expenditure is being sunk! Assuming you know your maintenance costs, imagine if you could retain a small percentage of your expenditures. By implementing cost-effective solutions, you can minimize energy costs and maximize the return on your energy investment. Save your pockets and implement these three effective ways you can minimize energy costs for your commercial space. 

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1. Smart Lighting Systems 

A switch to LED lighting can make a dramatic impact on your energy consumption. According to Energy Star, LEDs use up to 90% less energy than incandescent lighting and last 35 to 50 times longer. Additionally, LED lighting offers additional advantages such as minimal heat generation, resulting in decreased air conditioning load. Users often observe a cleaner and crisper light quality when they switch to LED lighting which can positively impact the overall work environment for employees.

Incorporating motion sensing lighting in areas with less frequent use such as hallways or bathrooms presents an energy-efficient alternative. This guarantees that the lights are only activated when certain spaces are occupied. This simple adjustment contributes to reducing unnecessary energy consumption and maximizes savings. 

2. Increase Natural Lighting 

Make use of the natural lighting your commercial space provides. Afterall, sunlight is free! Depending on where your building is located, the size, amount, and functionality of windows within your space, it may be optimized to help bring in lots of light. If your windows open, consider opening them during warmer months as they allow for hot air to escape which will reduce the cooling load. This in turn will decrease your energy consumption leading to higher cost savings. 

3. Weatherize Doors and Windows 

During the winter season, it is common for heat to escape buildings through cracks and gaps. To mitigate energy loss associated with HVAC systems, it is best to weatherize the doors and windows of commercial buildings. This can be accomplished by applying weatherstripping along the frames, effectively creating a barrier between the indoor and outdoor temperatures.

For instance in a small residential apartment building, to properly weatherize doors and windows, individuals should first clean and dry the surfaces. The weatherstripping material should then be carefully placed along the internal border, ensuring a snug fit that compresses when the door or window is closed. Weatherstripping can effectively reduce your building’s utility costs by minimizing HVAC run times.

At OneContact we aim to provide cost effective solutions to commercial maintenance issues. Our licensed and trained professionals can offer technical advice and help implement these solutions. Through our Commercial Maintenance Program, we can help you maximize your budget and optimize your building. Send a request today!