According to the Houston Chronicle, Texas demand for electricity could break its 10th record of the summer just this week. We all know that price goes up as demand goes up. Your business will most likely be hit with larger than expected energy bills. To help, we will show you 5 ways small business can save money on energy.
1. Shop Around for Energy
You may have been with the same energy provider for years and years. It is likely they have been increasing their rates surely but indiscernibly. Have a look at your latest energy bills going back a good three to six months. What is your average charge per kilowatt hour? What is your average use per month? Use this information on a site like Power to Choose. They list plans, charges, and more from tons of providers across the state to help you make the best decision, even if it is to stay put with your current provider.
2. Perform a Small Business Energy Audit
Just as we perform bookkeeping services to audit a small business’s income and expenses, it is also possible to perform a similar task for energy usage. Many providers can perform this service and may charge anywhere from $1,000 to tens of thousands, depending on the size of your business and number of used devices, equipment, etc. Feel free to view more here. We recommend doing so for all of the locations for your business if your budget allows.
3. Power Management Systems
Many pieces of equipment, appliances, and more are being offered with smart options and power management. These tools allow you to program the piece of equipment to run in a certain way and use minimal power. For example, many HVAC units come with smart tools such as a smart thermostat. You may program the unit to cool to the desired temperature during normal work hours. You may then program it to cool to a few degrees hotter during the off hours and days. This little change can add up big.
4. Reduce Size
Does your business have “dead spots” that are mostly being used for storage or lie empty? It’s important to understand how these spaces are being utilized and which require less energy. Eliminating this unnecessary usage will reduce your environmental impact and save money.
5. Focus on HVAC
For many businesses, especially in the white collar arena, heating and cooling are one of the leading costs of energy usage. As a result, it is essential to take care of your equipment. A few key tips include:
- Regular air filter changes that are essential to keeping your A/C running at its most efficient for the most time.
- Perform regular checks on the air filters to make sure they have not become dirty or clogged.
- Have regular maintenance performed on your unit or units as suggested by your owner’s manual.
- Purchase carefully. Choose carefully and have an experienced expert help you select if you do need to replace primary or supplementary HVAC equipment.
- Make sure all ducts, seals, and windows are sealed properly and not letting cool or warm air escape.
How Small Business Can Save Money in Houston
Finally, do you need more ways for your small business to save money? Are you located in Texas, Houston, or the surrounding areas? You should contact us for a professional bookkeeper to help with taxes, payroll, accounting, and other ways to save your business time and money.
