Mom and Pop Shops: Simple Ways to Save Energy

Neighborhood businesses like yours help form the fabric of communities across the country. Local stores, restaurants and cafes are where people shop, enjoy fine food and drink, hold community gatherings and get to know new friends. Despite this, it's a competitive market and you're always under pressure to cut costs and increase profits, and energy is a cost you can control.

While your business may be small, energy can be a big operating expense. That's especially true if you cook or store fresh foods and use a lot of hot water. There's also the need to maintain a comfortable indoor environment for staff and customers. While you may not have the budget for a big energy upgrade, there are a number of simple, low-cost steps you can take to save energy and money — money you can spend sponsoring your local kids sports team.

Adjust your thermostat

There's no need to waste energy keeping your empty indoor space comfortable. Adjust the thermostat to save energy after hours. A smart thermostat is a low-cost upgrade that can optimize savings and add convenience by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your operating schedule. You'll also have access to advanced features, such as remote control.

Turn out the lights

Shut off lights and equipment when closing or when they're not in use. Energy-efficient LED bulbs and replacement lamps are another inexpensive upgrade that can offer your business a significant return on investment over the long-term. Consider occupancy or vacancy sensors for restrooms and storage areas; they save energy by automatically shutting off lights when no one is present.

Seal in savings and comfort

Air leaks make your HVAC system work harder and reduce indoor comfort. Check windows and exterior doors for gaps and seal any you find with caulk or weatherstripping.

Cook up energy savings

If you have kitchen operations, these simple measures can be your recipe for lower energy bills:

• Minimize preheating. A preheating time of 15 minutes or less is adequate in most cases.
• Right-size pots and pans. A 6-inch pot on an 8-inch burner wastes 40% of the heat.
• Lower equipment temperature during idle times. Many appliances preheat rapidly, eliminating the need to maintain full temperature.
• Cover pots and pans. Covering cookware helps retain heat, reducing cooking time and energy use.

Reduce refrigeration costs

Refrigeration helps keep food fresh, but the costs can really put the heat on your energy budget. Make sure to close unit doors after every use to avoid wasting energy. Automatic door closers are a simple and inexpensive way to save energy. Simply attach them to walk-in doors to keep the cool air in the refrigerator.

If there's not enough space around your refrigeration system, it can be working harder than it needs to. Make sure there is enough room for air to flow freely over the heat exchange coils. Also, clean your system regularly. Dirty condensers and evaporator coils can block airflow.

Get a check up

Consider a business energy audit. A qualified professional will examine your facility and present you with a customized set of measures you can take to upgrade the energy efficiency and comfort of your space.

There are hundreds more ways you can save energy at work every day. Check out ElectricIdeas.com/WorkTips for video resources, tips and calculators or easy ways to cut your energy costs and pick a few to work into your routine.

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