The following recommendations can save you energy and money for your small business. They’re placed into three categories: Energy Wise, Energy Saver and Energy Champion.
Energy Wise (no cost)
- Set your thermostat to 78 degrees on summer days and 68 degrees on winter days. By adjusting your A/C 5 degrees higher, you’ll save about 10% on cooling costs.
- Leave an OPEN sign hanging in your front window so you can keep the front door and windows closed when running the A/C or heater.
- Maximize natural light and turn off any unnecessary electric ones. Use task or desktop lamps with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) instead of overhead lights.
- Enable "power management" on all computers and make sure to turn them off at night.
- Remember to layer so you can adjust clothing before the thermostat.
- Turn off coffeemakers by 10 a.m. and put what’s leftover in the refrigerator. Staff can enjoy iced coffee or reheat it later in the day.
- Turn off all printers and copiers when not in use.
- Unplug any appliances and office equipment that is not used daily.
Energy Saver (low cost)
- Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)
- Replace old inefficient T12 florescent bulbs with T8s or T5s
- Replace or clean yellowed and greasy lens cover(s) on your light fixtures
- Replace or clean A/C and heater filters for a savings of 10% on your energy bills
- Install interior shades/drapes and let the sun in during cold weather. Keep them closed when it’s hot.
- Fix air leaks by installing weather-stripping, door shoes, and window caulking
- Replace your old Pre-Rinse Spray Valve with the new low-flow
- Install Faucet aerators on all or most of your faucets, leaving one sink to fill up pots in a restaurant.
- Install an Energy Star programmable thermostat away from natural cool and hot spots. They save as much as $115 annually and are more flexible than standard models
- Cut water use by installing faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, and low-flush toilets. As much as 19% of California’s electricity is used to pump, transport, and treat water.
- Repair leaky faucets and toilets
- Replace older exit signs with LED exit signs
Energy Champion (extra investment, but large payback)
Businesses account for 35% of California’s peak energy use. You can help save energy, money, and our environment by taking a few simple conservation steps.
Lighting 40%
Office Equipment 23%
Heating, cooling and ventilation 25%
- Replace older appliances and equipment with 40% more efficient ENERGY STAR qualified ones.
- Install tinted window film
- Add exterior awnings and plant shade trees
- Install an attic exhaust fan
- Paint your flat roof white
- Replace your existing water heater with a tankless one
- Replace your existing toilet with an Ultra Low Flush Toilet (ULFT) or a dual flush toilet
- Install high efficiency double-pane windows, which are 40% more efficient than standard windows.
- Replace your desktop with a laptop cmputer that uses 90% less energy.
Remember to check your local utilities for rebates and incentives if you are replacing or purchasing any equipment. Check their website to see if they offer the following:
- Express Efficiency Rebates
- Commercial Rebates/Incentives
- Self Generation Incentives
- Energy Survey/Analysis
- Summer Discount Plan