Energy is an essential business resource. You use it to power lights and equipment and to maintain a comfortable and productive work environment. However, energy is often seen as just another cost of doing business. With little oversight, energy costs can really get out of control. Fortunately, there are a variety of simple, low-cost control devices that can help you better manage your energy use, saving money and improving your bottom line.
Smart thermostats
Space heating and cooling make up 40% of commercial building energy consumption. Adjusting building temperatures after business hours is the most cost-effective way to manage energy costs, but it's not always easy to do. Smart, programmable thermostats make it easy. You can program them to automatically adjust temperatures based on your operating schedule. You'll also have access to advanced features, such as remote control.
Occupancy sensors
Lighting is another big energy user, and lighting empty spaces is a big energy waste. Occupancy and vacancy sensors optimize savings and convenience. They sense when someone is present in a space and when the space is unoccupied, automatically turning on lights when they're needed and turning them off when they're not. Energy-efficient LED lights start instantly, making them a perfect fit for occupancy controls.
Dimmers
Photosensors and dimming controls automatically sense the amount of daylight in a space and reduce or eliminate artificial lighting accordingly. These devices allow you to reduce lighting costs and take advantage of free sunlight. Using more daylight can also help you create a more comfortable, productive and even healthier indoor environment. LED lights are also inherently dimmable.
Time controls
Electronic programmable time controllers offer a simple and cost-effective way to turn lights and equipment on and off according to your operating schedule. They range from basic, wall-mounted time switches to multi-channel time clocks with a variety of scheduling options. Some control programs include features similar to an energy management system.
Smart plugging
Computers, office equipment, personal and break room appliances and other plugged-in devices often continue to draw power 24/7 whether in use or not. Advanced power strips and smart plugs can end this energy waste. They automatically sense when a device is not in use and cut power to it, saving energy.
Get an energy checkup
These simple control devices offer a great place to start. The next step to better managing your energy use is to get an energy audit of your business. Consider a free consultation with our Energy Efficiency Services advisers. They'll provide you with a customized set of energy-efficiency recommendations. By implementing these recommendations, you can save money, improve comfort and use a critical business resource more effectively.