As a business owner, it is easy to get so caught up the price of your product and how to bring it down that you forget just how expensive overhead costs are. Your building and the energy that it eats up on a daily basis can really send your costs through the roof. You should be looking for any way possible to maximize the efficiency of your place of business, and starting at your energy expenses isn’t a bad idea. Here are the 3 biggest energy expenses for small businesses.
Lighting
It doesn’t matter how big your place is, chances are you will need plenty of light bulbs to keep the place illuminated. To add to that, many businesses stay lit up round the clock, either for aesthetic purposes or to deter criminals. Most small businesses use between 15,000-25,000kWh per year, and the Canadian average is around .10 cents per kWh, meaning you can expect to pay $1,500-$2,500 per year just to keep your lights on. Switching to LED’s can save you a lot of money, but so could using sensor lighting or just switching lights off when not in use.
Your HVAC system
One of the largest energy expenses for small businesses is your HVAC system. Heating or cooling your place of business can cost a lot of money if not done properly. The average retail or service company uses 16% of their total energy spend on heating and cooling, and the costs skyrockets from there if you add in things like warehouses. Having preventative maintenance performed by a professional company will help make your system as efficient as possible, and help you save money in the end. Don’t rule out completely replacing the system if it is outdated, either. Newer, more efficient units can cut your costs in half!
Refrigeration
Commercial refrigeration is a necessity for many businesses, and it can also be one of the biggest expenses a company can incur. Businesses like grocery stores can expect to pay up to $1.50 + per square foot! Business energy expenses can be cut down by using a professional HVAC/R company to help repair, replace, or update your current system. Some business can save 25% or more on their yearly costs simply by updating their equipment.
As a small business owner, you need to be aware of how much you are spending annually on energy. That is money taken away from your bottom line. These are the 3 biggest energy expenses for small businesses in Canada. A professional HVAC/R company like Cool-Aid Mechanical can help you save money each year on your energy bills. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you.
