Businesses rely on many systems that consume energy for smooth day-to-day operations. Over time, the amount of energy that these systems consume can add up and put quite a dent in your profit margins. Fortunately, there are some ways to keep energy consumption low.

Here are four ways your business can manage its energy consumption:

1. Optimize your lighting

For years, incandescent light bulbs have been the standard bulb used in commercial buildings. However, in more recent years, many businesses have switched to LED or fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs consume much less energy than incandescents and produce less heat as well. Plus, they last a lot longer than incandescent bulbs as well.

Many light fixtures are already compatible with LED or fluorescent bulbs. However, some businesses are not equipped with fixtures that are compatible with these bulbs. In these cases, an energy professional can visit your facilities and retrofit your lighting fixtures for use with LEDs or fluorescents.

2. Clean and service your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)

Besides lighting, one of the most energy-consuming aspects of your business can be the HVAC system. Your business’s HVAC system maintains a comfortable temperature in your commercial building throughout each season of the year. This is a lot of hard work for the equipment in your HVAC system, especially in environments with extreme temperatures.

HVAC equipment can get dirty, which affects their performance. They also can wear down over time, which strains the entire HVAC system. In both of these scenarios, the HVAC system has to work harder than necessary, which drives up energy consumption rates.

Regularly clean your HVAC system and inspect it for signs of malfunctions that could be driving up energy consumption rates. Most businesses choose to consult a professional for these services since cleaning and maintaining HVAC can be a complicated task.

3. Turn off unused equipment

This is a simple one that many businesses overlook. When equipment is not in use, turn it off. In addition to turning it off, make sure it’s plugged into a power strip. This can prevent leaks of power into the equipment when it’s turned off that can occur when the equipment is plugged straight into an outlet.

4. Install an energy management system

HVAC, lighting, refrigeration, water use and other systems in your commercial buildings can be challenging to manage individually. These systems all consume energy and drive up your energy bills. By bringing them all under control through an energy management system, you can ensure consistent quality in each system’s performance and lower your business’s energy consumption rates.

Contact Energy Optimization for energy optimization services

At Energy Optimization, our team of energy professionals is experienced in working in a variety of commercial settings. We can help your business lower its energy consumption rates through installing control systems, retrofitting outdated equipment, performing an energy analysis and more. Contact us today to learn more about energy optimization for businesses.