Your office is full of little things you can do to cut costs. One of the easiest ways to do this is by reducing the amount of energy you use. If you’re mindful of your electrical practices in the office, you can save money and still maintain a satisfactory environment.

Office electricity bills are unusually high these days. In the wake of COVID-19, many employees have been working from home and using less energy. Now that more employees are returning to the office, power consumption is increasing again.

 

Turn off all computers at the office before leaving for the day

By turning off your office electronics at night, you will save energy and money. Turning off your equipment at night will reduce the amount of electricity that you use during peak demand periods, such as late afternoon and early evening. You will also be doing your part to reduce pollution by not using electricity that is generated from coal, oil, or other fossil fuels.

Computers are one of the main contributors to high office electric bills. Fortunately, computers can be set up so they automatically turn off when they are idle for a period of time. You can do this through Windows or Mac power management settings or by using third-party software.

Power down equipment like printers and copiers that use a lot of electricity when turned on but do not produce anything while idle.

 

Pay attention to the thermostat

It’s important to make sure that the temperature in your office is both sufficient and energy efficient. Try adjusting your thermostat by one degree for several weeks to see if you notice a difference in comfort level or energy usage.

If possible, set up an occupancy sensor on the thermostat so areas of the building can be shut off completely or set at a lower temperature when no one is present. This will save money on heating costs during times when no one is in the room. Use a programmable thermostat to lower the temperature during the day, or when you leave for the night.

 

Open shades and blinds in your office to let natural light in

One of the simplest tricks to save money on your electric bill is by turning off lights when you’re not in the room. This is a no-brainer, but it’s also one of the most effective ways to reduce your energy use.

Natural light is a great way to brighten up a room and reduce energy consumption. It’s also a natural way to make employees feel more energized and motivated, which can help increase productivity. If your office doesn’t have a lot of natural light, consider installing a skylight or adding a window that looks out onto a courtyard or other outdoor space.

 

Contact your utility company to see if they offer energy efficiency services

Utility companies are the experts in their own field. They can provide you with a wealth of information and even offer assistance with energy efficiency research. Most utility companies have a vested interest in helping their customers save money and energy. They have teams of experts who can provide you with the latest information about how to reduce your utility bills, including how much money you could save by making certain changes.

Some offer rebates for installing energy-efficient appliances, insulation, and other improvements. You can also get help from your local utility company if you’re interested in office performance or energy audit services.