Every business knows that as temperatures rise, energy bills do too—your HVAC systems go into overdrive and your equipment is more prone to overheating. It’s the inevitable summer increase in power bills that all businesses face when the heat waves hit. But even though you can’t control the weather, you're not powerless when it comes to saving money on summertime.
Let’s take a look at some of the best ways you can lower your power bill during the hot summer months.
How power bills increase during heat waves
Businesses that do not implement energy-efficient practices and technologies may find their power bills skyrocketing as they struggle to manage the intensified energy demands of extreme heat. There are a number of factors that contribute to higher power bills during heat waves:
- HVAC draws: During heat waves, businesses experience a surge in energy consumption primarily due to the increased use of air conditioning systems. As temperatures soar, HVAC systems must work harder and longer to maintain comfortable indoor environments, leading to higher electricity usage.
- Power grid strain: The spike in energy demand from HVAC systems not only raises the total amount of energy consumed but also places additional strain on the power grid, sometimes resulting in higher energy rates during peak usage times. Consequently, businesses see an increase in their power rate as they attempt to keep their workspaces cool and productive.
- Equipment heat: Office equipment and lighting, which already contribute to energy consumption, generate additional heat that further burdens the cooling systems. Heavy machinery contributes even more.
- Poor heat protections: Inadequate insulation and poor building sealing can exacerbate the heat wave problem by allowing cool air to escape and hot air to infiltrate, making cooling efforts less effective and more costly.
Five ways businesses can save money on power during heat waves
Looking for some ways that you can keep your power bill low despite the rise in temps? Here are a few heat-wave hacks you can use to keep your business energy spend from skyrocketing in the heat.
- Optimize HVAC systems
Ensuring your HVAC system is well-maintained with regular check-ups and filter changes helps it run efficiently and reduces the risk of breakdowns during peak usage times. Adjusting your thermostat to a slightly higher temperature during working hours and lowering it after hours can significantly cut energy usage without compromising comfort. Additionally, investing in programmable or smart thermostats allows you to set temperature schedules and adjust settings remotely, optimizing cooling based on occupancy and time of day and leading to substantial energy savings.
- Improve insulation and sealing
Proper insulation keeps cool air in and hot air out. Evaluate your building's insulation and upgrade if necessary to improve energy efficiency. Identifying and sealing leaks around doors, windows, and other openings to prevent cool air from escaping is essential; weather stripping and caulking are simple fixes that can make a big difference. Using shades, blinds, or reflective films on windows block out the sun’s rays and help maintain a cooler indoor temperature.
- Use energy-efficient lighting and equipment
Replacing incandescent bulbs with LED or other energy-efficient lighting options generates less heat and uses less energy, helping to reduce the need for cooling. Investing in energy-efficient office equipment and appliances that consume less power and generate less heat further enhances energy savings. Encouraging employees to turn off lights and equipment when not in use is a simple habit that can lead to significant energy savings.
- Implement energy-efficient practices
Reducing energy use during peak hours lowers demand charges, so schedule energy-intensive tasks for early morning or late evening when rates may be lower. Implementing staggered work hours can spread out energy use throughout the day, reducing peak demand and associated costs. Promoting remote work reduces the overall energy load in the office, as fewer people in the office means less cooling needed.
- Utilize natural ventilation and cooling
Using windows and vents to take advantage of cooler outdoor air during early morning and late evening can help reduce reliance on air conditioning. Installing and using ceiling fans to circulate air and create a cooling effect makes higher thermostat settings feel more comfortable. Utilizing landscaping techniques like planting trees for shade, naturally cools the building; trees and plants can reduce the surrounding temperature and lower cooling costs.
Get more energy insights
High energy bills can be a pain in the summer, but also year-round. It’s not uncommon for businesses to feel like they don’t have control over their energy budget and feel surprised by the electricity bill that comes in each month. That’s why many companies are installing smart meters to get better insights into their facility’s energy spend.
Electripure’s CleanPQ smart meter can help you to monitor heat-wave fluctuation in power usage and help you decrease your monthly bottom line. Contact us today and Electripure’s experts will come inspect your facility for free and help you keep those power bills low despite high temps.