Energy loss in winter and how to protect your business and home
Hey there!
As a business owner or property manager, you're probably always looking for ways to cut costs and boost efficiency. One area that often gets overlooked is energy consumption. In the commercial real estate industry, there are a few common energy wasters that can really add up. Here are the top 10 energy wasters to watch out for:
Lighting: Incandescent bulbs and outdated lighting systems can be huge energy hogs. Consider upgrading to LED lights or installing occupancy sensors to save on energy costs.
HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems can be major energy drains. Regular maintenance and upgrades can help improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Windows: Poorly sealed or outdated windows can let in drafts and cause your heating and cooling systems to work harder. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows or adding weatherstripping to seal up any gaps.
Appliances: Outdated appliances can be huge energy wasters. Consider upgrading to Energy Star certified appliances to save on energy costs.
Electronic equipment: Computers, printers, and other electronic equipment can be big energy drains when left on overnight or not properly shut down. Make sure to turn off equipment when not in use and consider using power strips to easily turn off multiple devices at once.
Water heaters: Water heaters can be a significant source of energy consumption. Consider upgrading to a tankless water heater or one with better insulation to reduce energy use.
Plumbing: Leaky faucets and toilets can waste a lot of water and energy. Fixing leaks and upgrading to low-flow fixtures can help save on energy costs.
Insulation: Proper insulation is essential for keeping your building warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Make sure your insulation is up to par to reduce energy consumption.
Landscaping: Incorrectly placed trees and shrubs can block sunlight from entering your building, causing your heating and cooling systems to work harder. Properly placing trees and shrubs can help reduce energy consumption.
Roofing: A damaged or poorly insulated roof can cause your building to lose heat in the winter and gain heat in the summer, leading to higher energy costs. Make sure your roof is in good repair and properly insulated to reduce energy consumption.
Now that you know the top energy wasters in commercial real estate, here are a few ways to prevent energy loss, especially during the winter:
Insulate your building: Proper insulation is essential for keeping your building warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Make sure your insulation is up to par to reduce energy consumption.
Seal up drafts: Drafty windows and doors can let in cold air and cause your heating system to work harder. Add weatherstripping or caulk to seal up any gaps and keep the heat inside.
Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help you save on energy costs by automatically adjusting the temperature when you're not around.
Keep the heat in: Make sure to close blinds and curtains at night to help keep the heat inside.
Use a space heater: If you have a particularly drafty room or area, a space heater can help keep it warm without increasing energy costs for the entire building.
By following these tips, you can help reduce energy consumption and save on energy costs in your commercial real estate property.
Take care!