Top 10 Low/No-Cost Tips to Cut Your Energy Bills Today

If your health care business is like most, energy will typically account for three to five percent of your total operating expenses.  You can take control your energy use, just as with any expense.  Savings of up to 20 percent are even possible with the right plan and equipment.  And you won't be affecting the comfort or convenience of your customers or employees

Here are the quickest and easiest ways to start lowering your energy bills this summer.  Following this advice will cost little or nothing, but the returns could surprise you.

1. Reduce air conditioning use during unoccupied hours.
2. Raise thermostat settings a few degrees during occupied hours.  If possible, minimize daylighting on hot afternoons.
3. Turn off air conditioning close to the end of your operating hours.
4. Turn off unneeded lights in offices and public areas.
5. When replacing bulbs, use lower wattage or compact fluorescent bulbs that are more efficient.   Dust and clean bulbs and lamp shades regularly.
6. Have your heating, ventilating, air conditioning, icemakers, and refrigeration equipment periodically serviced and adjusted as needed.
7. Turn off office machines and equipment overnight and when not needed.
8. Check automatic controls for proper working condition and settings.
9. Lower water temperature settings; for hand washing, 105 degrees F is the recommended setting.
10. Control outdoor lighting, use only lighting necessary to do the job.

Want more help?  If you decide to seek a qualified professional to assist you in making energy-saving improvements, your electric utility company is likely to be your best starting point.

Your electric utility's representative will have historical data about energy use in your business.  They will also be able to objectively help you cut your energy costs with a full range of services.  And these are usually offered at little or no cost. 

Some ways your electric utility company may be able to help include:

1. Cash rebates given as incentives for purchasing or upgrading energy-efficient lighting, air conditioning, refrigeration, and water heating systems.
2. Direct load control programs, where you allow your electric company to cycle off or shut down big energy-using appliances and equipment for certain periods.  These programs are especially useful in the summer months on air conditioners and water heaters.
3. Low-interest loans to help you afford high-efficiency equipment.
4. New construction programs, offering incentives and training to encourage energy-saving designs and the use of higher efficiency equipment.
5. Energy audits, providing an analysis of your energy use and specific recommendations for energy savings.

Call your electric utility company, or visit their Web site for more details.