Energy Efficiency Tips for Service Providers
If you run a small business in the service industry, such as auto repair shops, movie theaters, museums/art galleries, hair salons, laundromats and dry cleaners, you put a lot of energy into pleasing your customers. Saving energy is important to the bottom line. Now is a good time to monitor your energy usage and to think about a small business sustainability plan for your company.
Energy efficiency tips for vehicle repair shops
Increase your auto repair shop energy efficiency with these tips:
- Start with a small business energy audit. Complete a comprehensive profile of your energy use to find out where to make fast fixes and where significant investments will most likely pay off.
- Stop leaking heat and cool air. Install bay entries that automatically close. Every time you open a bay, all the heat or air conditioning rushes out. Check around windows and doors, too, for leaks.
- Keep your HVAC clean and running smooth. In an environment like an auto repair shop, you will want to change filters often. When your systems are clean and in good running condition, they’ll get better mileage.
- Install energy-efficient lighting. Replace old incandescent bulbs with LED lights. Replacing a 100 watt incandescent with an equivalent LED reduces energy use to just 8 watts.
- Upgrade to high-performance equipment. New shop equipment with good ENERGY STAR® ratings will save you money in the long run.
Energy Efficiency Tips for Other Service-Providing Businesses
No matter what kind of service business you run, controlling costs is a priority. Service providing companies’ energy efficiency varies by the kind of business you run. Putting a stop to energy waste will help lower your business’s utility bills.
Movie theater energy efficiency
Movie theater energy consumption generally is due to the audio visual systems, HVAC and food service equipment.
- Turn off food service appliances. Make sure popcorn makers and pizza ovens are not left on when not in use. Unplug them overnight to stop standby power waste. Where possible install energy-efficient appliances.
- Optimize your HVAC. Ensure that your building is well insulated and set a temperature that is comfortable, but not extreme, in the theaters. Keep filters clean and systems in good working order.
- Consider voltage optimization equipment. They make it possible to use less energy, without affecting your AV equipment performance.
- Switch to low energy lights. Replacing incandescents with high-efficiency LEDs dramatically reduces energy use.
Hair salon electricity saving tips
Make your bottom line more beautiful with an energy efficient salon. Here are ways to control this cost:
- Update your lighting. LEDs allow you to create a soothing environment and show your clients in a different light–while using much less energy than incandescent bulbs.
- Turn off and unplug appliances. Curling irons and hair dryers are energy hogs. Turn them off when not in use. Unplug them so they don’t use standby power.
- Keep an eye on the HVAC. Adjust your salon temperature up a few degrees in summer and down a few in winter.
- Upgrade your water heater. Your business uses more hot water than most, so be sure your heater is energy efficient.
Dry cleaners and laundromats energy costs
Running washers and dryers accounts for the least part of your energy use in your commercial laundry business. The bulk of the power you use is to heat water for washing and air for drying. The remainder is for the HVAC and lighting in your facility.
- Invest in high efficiency equipment. New ENERGY STAR® washers and dryers can help you slash costs and energy usage.
- Perform regular maintenance. Make sure motors are in good running condition, that filters are clean, and that lines are free of blockages.
- Encourage cold water washes and low heat dry cycles. Avoiding temperature extremes is better for the clothes and saves energy.
- Consider heat pump water heaters. Given the amount of water you use, you may be able to enjoy significant savings.
Museums and art galleries electricity consumption
The energy it takes to run a gallery or museum can be considerable. Maintaining an even temperature and humidity level for preserving art is paramount. Additional power goes into lighting. Larger museums may have a cafe or restaurant.
- Install smart systems for HVAC. Maintaining the optimum temperature for visitors and the right environment for exhibits, all while trying to minimize energy use is tough. A smart system can keep everything in balance.
- Pay attention to lighting. Lighting can create a mood, illuminate an exhibit, and burn through energy. Invest in energy efficient commercial lighting inside and create drama with energy-efficient outdoor lighting, too.
More energy-saving resources for service-providing businesses
To help you do all you can to run efficiently, explore small business energy savings articles and make use of our small business energy saving tools. Making a change might make sense. Our guide to switching electric companies for businesses can help you decide what is best for your business.
