6 energy-saving tips for winter

It’s already been a challenging winter for businesses juggling high energy bills and rising costs across the board. But there are a few simple energy-saving tips that might help make a big difference to your bottom line this season

 

This winter has already proven itself to be a tough one for households and businesses alike, with energy bills at an all-time high and the cost of the living crisis beginning to bite. As a consequence of this, you may be more than a little reluctant to turn the heating on in your home or workplace this winter, but suffering an uncomfortably cold environment shouldn’t be a reality for anybody either.

However, there are steps that can be taken to ensure that your workplace is warmer and more comfortable this winter – all while saving on energy use. Here are our top six small business energy-saving tips for this winter.

Upgrade heating controls

Heating and hot water make up a significant chunk of both domestic and commercial energy bills, so installing more up-to-date heating controls can help you manage your costs more effectively.

Features like room thermostats, programmers and thermostatic radiator valves can reduce your energy usage and save you significant annual costs, while installing a smart meter can give you a clearer idea of where your energy budget is going, helping you take steps towards better efficiency.

Deal with draughts

Most premises will have their draughty spots, and you can usually feel where they are simply by noticing a breeze or drop in temperature. Draughts around doors and windows or gaps in the floor can make a space far less efficient than you would like, resulting in heat loss and discomfort for those occupying the space. This, in turn, can result in higher bills.

Professional draught proofing may sound like an unnecessary upfront cost but it is worth noting that, over time, this kind of retro-fitting can result in substantial savings that far outweigh the initial outlay.

Inspect your boiler

Modern boilers are far more energy efficient than older versions, so if your home or workplace uses a boiler that’s more than 10 years old, you should consider getting it replaced. You should also make sure your boiler is regularly serviced to keep it running as efficiently as possible.

Radiator reflector panels

Radiator reflector panels are a low-cost option that can help to reduce energy consumption by reflecting heat back into the room, instead of allowing heat to leave the room via an external wall. As such, you only need to put reflector panels behind radiators which are attached to external walls, rather than internal ones.

Over time, these simple additions can lead to significant savings on your energy bills.

Don’t rely on standby

Desktop computers, printers and even kettles should only be on when they’re being used – and leaving them on standby doesn’t count as switching them off, at least in the eyes of your energy bills. Almost all devices can be switched off at the plug without interfering with their settings, so before you leave the office, make sure all tech is properly switched off for the evening.

Swap your bulbs

Simply changing your light bulbs for more efficient alternatives can have a positive impact on your energy bills. More efficient lights such as LED spotlights can help you save on your energy during the winter when you’ll be relying on electric lighting more often.

You can even invest in motion sensor lights to ensure that lights aren’t left on when no one is using space.

Did you like our energy-saving tips and want to find out how we can help your business?

Make the most of your energy by seeking out expert support and guidance. Reach out to a member of our team today and find out how we can help you. Get in touch with the team at Consultiv Utilities.