Don’t waste money on electricity when you don’t have to!
Before you can come up with solutions for your high electricity bill, you must understand why it’s so high in the first place. There are probably many opportunities within your business to lower your bills. Here are some of the most common reasons.
High Demand
As a business, you are likely being charged based on your hourly-energy consumption. This is measured in kilowatts versus the kilowatt hours you’re probably used to seeing on your bill at home. The demand refers to the greatest amount of energy that is used in a 15 to a 30-minute timeframe. It’s also likely that you have special meters that measure both your hourly consumption and peak demand.
Weather
Extreme weather conditions will cause a spike in your electricity bill. Extreme heat and extreme cold are the most common causes of bill spikes. In those conditions, more energy is required to keep your building at a comfortable temperature. In general, the most optimal temperature for your facility is to keep your thermostat set to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
Inefficient Appliances
Appliances that are not in top working condition will lead to higher electricity bills. An example would be a leaky water heater or another outdated appliance that you might be using. Consider upgrading to more energy-efficient models. The initial investment will be immediately worth it once you examine your first few energy bills after making the switch. This also includes your lighting system.
Standby Mode
When you think you’re turning your equipment off, it is very likely that it’s going into standby mode instead of turning completely off. This means that although the screen may be blank, the system is actively operating programs, running updates, and downloading content. This is a major source of energy waste.
You’re Not Doing Your Part
Do your part to ensure that you aren’t unnecessarily wasting energy. Switch your bulbs to LED options and make sure that computers are turned completely off at the end of the day. Use power strips instead of individual outlets ensure that all AC air filters are regularly changed.
COMMERCIAL LED LIGHTING FROM CMI
Are you in need of electric or lighting services for your commercial facility? CMI Companies is here to help! With over 35 years in the industry, CMI has an array of equipment to handle the logistics of any in-house job. We also frequently provide solutions to property managers and upcoming developments. CMI Companies provides services in Mid-Atlantic Region and proudly serves clients in Northern Virginia, Maryland, Richmond, Southern Virginia, Manassas, Prince William County, Fairfax County, Rockville, and Prince George’s County. Also, check us out on Google +, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn