Preparing your business for a holiday break or extended downtime isn’t just about locking the doors – it’s an opportunity to reduce energy use and save money. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can come back to a lower energy bill and a more efficient workspace.
Understand your energy usage
Some energy savings depend on the nature of your business. For offices and schools, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and lighting are typically the biggest energy users. For manufacturers, heavy industrial equipment may dominate energy consumption.
“I was with an automotive manufacturer a couple weeks ago, and they have HVAC and lighting, but the amount of heavy equipment they have on the floor was far more significant than the HVAC load,” said Tyler Crater, a Duke Energy Business Energy Advisor (BEA).
Start by identifying the equipment or systems that can be powered down or adjusted during periods of low occupancy or production.
“The more you understand your specific business operations,” Crater said, “the more we can help make sure your company is getting the best rates and identifying ways to lower your bill.”
Adjust HVAC settings
HVAC systems are usually the largest energy expense for businesses without heavy machinery. Adjusting thermostats can yield significant savings.
“In winter, you don’t want to turn off the system completely due to the risk of freezing pipes,” Crater said, “but you can set it to the warmest or coolest tolerable temperature to take stress off of equipment.”
Additionally, Duke Energy offers programs with incentives like cash rebates for installing high-efficiency HVAC systems. From Smart $aver® Rebates and Incentives to the Small Business Energy Saver, which covers up to 80% of energy efficiency improvements for businesses, BEAs are here to help customers find the right solution.
“We’ve had a lot of success helping [public] schools,” Crater said. “They usually have budgets for energy efficiency projects to ensure they use taxpayer funds responsibly."
Customer moment
A K-12 Duke Energy customer shares how they save on energy costs when class is not in session:
During holidays, we schedule all HVAC off, including exhaust fans, and the Business Automation System (BAS) will automatically heat individual zones of the building if it gets below 55 degrees. Some of our domestic hot water heaters and circulation pumps are on the BAS, so we schedule those off as well. The desktop computers are programmed to automatically shut down each day and staff is encouraged to make sure lights are turned off, devices are unplugged, and blinds are open.
Turn off unnecessary lights
Nonessential lighting is another major energy draw. If your business has occupancy sensors, use them to manage lighting automatically. Otherwise, make sure lights are switched off in unused areas. Emergency lighting should remain on as required.
Maximize window treatments
Windows can impact heating and cooling efficiency. In winter, leave curtains open to let in sunlight and naturally warm spaces. In summer, keep them closed to block heat.
Additionally, inspect window and door seals for leaks that could drive up energy use.
Unplug or power down appliances
Devices like computers, projectors and kitchen appliances can add to energy costs if left on standby. If certain appliances or electronics won’t be used, unplug them or switch them to sleep mode. For refrigerators, unplug only if they’re empty and leave them cracked open for ventilation.
Business Incentives & Rebates
For more information about energy savings and rebates, or to schedule a one-on-one consultation with a Duke Energy Business Energy Advisor, email bea-team@duke-energy.com or call 800.979.9146.
Pro tip: You may want to consult IT before making decisions that could affect computers or other high-tech equipment, said Alesha Reardon, a senior Business Energy Advisor and former school energy manager in the Asheville, N.C., area.
Create an efficiency team
Consider forming an energy task force to oversee energy-saving measures, such as adjusting HVAC settings, managing lighting and ensuring doors and windows are secured.
“Having a designated energy lead or team can make a big difference,” Reardon said. “I used to email everyone to remind them that, as they’re walking out the door, ensure that windows and doors are closed and locked. And consider whether your seals are intact, or if there’s do you have leakage you may need to address.”
With these simple adjustments, you can enjoy time away from work while keeping energy costs under control.
