5 Ways to Stay Safe, Cut Your Business’ Electricity Use This Winter
When it’s cold and dark, it’s common to use more electricity, which can lead to higher bills. If your business has a retail or customer-facing space, you’ll likely use more heating and lighting.
Use these BC Hydro Power Smart tips to help improve your energy efficiency and save money. They’ll also help you stay safe if a power outage strikes.
• Prepare for power outages
• Report a power outage
• Draftproof your business
• Switch to energy-efficient lighting
• Track your electricity use
Be prepared, just in case
Print a copy of an outage preparedness planning guide so you know what to do before, during and after a power outage. Use it to help create a customized outage preparedness plan for your business, and keep it with your emergency supplies.
Keep drafts at bay
Gaps and cracks around windows and doors allow the cold winter air to come in, and warm air to escape. This not only makes your work environment less comfortable, but also contributes to a higher electricity bill. Draftproofing is one of the most cost-effective things you can do to improve your business’ overall efficiency. Caulking and weatherstripping materials are relatively inexpensive and fairly simple to apply.
Start by identifying the areas where gaps and cracks are present by running your hand over windowsills, doors and walls to feel for cold drafts. Make sure to remove old, damaged caulking or weatherstripping before applying new material.
Brighten up the winter with energy-efficient lighting
Making the switch to energy-efficient LEDs or CFLs is a great way to save on your electricity costs associated with lighting. If you‘re looking to light your business with holiday lights this season, consider purchasing holiday LED lights. They last up to 10 times longer than conventional bulbs.
