Energy Management Tips You Can Share with Businesses
Companies today want to go green and save green. At Broker Online Exchange, our goal is to help your customers find the best source of electricity and gas, and then use as little of it as possible. Seems counter-intuitive? Well, that’s just good business – we know that satisfied customers are repeat customers. Here are some of the best energy management tips that you can share with businesses, they will help you and your customers save energy.
1. Invest in Smart Office Machines
Did you know that office equipment directly consumes 7% of total commercial electric energy? That is the equivalent of $1.8 billion in electricity costs. One of the easiest ways to lower energy consumption is to switch to ENERGY STAR-labeled computers, which can use 30 to 65% less energy than computers without this label.
2. Use Low Power Mode
Set computers, copiers, and printers to enter sleep mode after a short period of time. This energy-saving mode typically uses at least 70 percent less energy than full-power mode. This change will also help your devices maintain cooler temperatures, which can improve their overall durability and lifespan.
3. Have a “Lightbulb” Moment
Many companies have already made the switch, but if you haven’t, look into new energy-efficient bulbs. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use one-quarter of the energy, and lasts 10 times longer than a comparable traditional incandescent bulb. Furthermore, light emitting diodes (LEDs) use 20 to 25 percent of the energy, and last up to 25 times longer than a traditional bulb. Even with the increased cost of replacing the bulbs, they will pay for themselves in lower energy bills and longer life. Don’t forget to turn them off when they’re not in use.
4. Beware of “Vampire” Energy
Vampire energy is the electricity that office machines, PCs, chargers, and other appliances use when they are plugged in, even when they are turned off. Plug all electronic devices into a single power strip that you turn off at the end of each workday. This will keep them from sucking energy all night long. Vampire energy could be accounting for up to 20% of your businesses total energy usage!
4. Beware of “Vampire” Energy
Vampire energy is the electricity that office machines, PCs, chargers, and other appliances use when they are plugged in, even when they are turned off. Plug all electronic devices into a single power strip that you turn off at the end of each workday. This will keep them from sucking energy all night long. This kind of energy could account for up to 20% of your businesses total energy usage!
5. Monitor Your Heat
Every office has that one person who is constantly turning up the heat, but that also turns up the electric bill. Invest in a programmable thermostat can help! In the summer, set your thermostat to 78 degrees when the work place is occupied, and 85 degrees or off after business hours. In the winter, set your thermostat to 68 degrees when the work place is occupied, and 60-65 degrees or off after business hours. You could potentially save up to 3% for each degree the thermostat is raised in the summer and lowered in the winter.
6. Choose Laptops Over Desktops
Laptop computers use up to 80 percent less energy than desktop models, which can result in dramatic energy savings.
7. Use a Dishwasher
This is great news for offices everywhere. Hand washing dishes actually wastes both water – up to 5,000 gallons compared to an ENERGY STAR dishwasher – and uses twice as much energy.
By helping your customers consume less, you’ll provide the value-added service that keeps them satisfied. The more satisfied consumers are, the more likely they will be to stick with your business.
About Broker Online Exchange
Broker Online Exchange (BOX) is the largest and most flexible retail energy network in North America. We satisfy the needs of commercial customers, energy brokers, and affiliates by providing direct access to North America’s top suppliers, markets, personalized support and payment plans.
For commercial energy customers, BOX offers access to the largest and most experienced broker network in the country. We connect customers to professional, specialized energy brokers will help satisfy your energy needs with the industry’s best prices. With over 45,000 accounts served across every market and industry, we know how to help each customers’ specific industry and market combination like no one else.