Down the Drain: How to Save Money on Your Business’s Utility Bills

Business owners often find that while they are attending to the other details of their companies, their utility costs have begun to skyrocket. 

You can limit your utility expenses if you implement a few basic controls that will have a long-term effect on costs. Some of these tips require an initial investment, but they will pay for themselves over the long run.

Utilize Natural Light

Instead of depending on artificial light sources for work areas in your business, let in the natural light that provides a healthier light source and reduces your energy costs. 

Install shades that allow the light in during favorable parts of the day that can be closed at times when the light shining into the building is too intense.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Make sure your facility has programmable thermostats installed in various areas. 



These devices can be set to provide comfortable temperatures when people are in the building, but will automatically change the temperatures to reduce energy use when the building is empty. Programmable thermostats can save you hundreds of dollars each year.

Update Your Light Bulbs

If you are using the same type of lighting businesses have used for the last 40 years, you are wasting money on your electric bills. New types of lighting can provide superior lighting while minimizing the amount of electricity used, so you can increase your business’s productivity while lowering your utility costs.

Use Power Save or Sleep Mode on Equipment

Encourage your employees to use power saving modes on their computer equipment while they are at work. In addition, they should also make sure they use the sleep modes on these devices when they leave the office. The use of power strips can also help you to save energy and reduce your electricity bills.

Implement Water Conservation Measures

Ensure that toilet fixtures in your facility are water-conserving types that will reduce the overall amount of water your employees use throughout the year. Install faucets with aerators that reduce water use. 

Put up signs that encourage employees to turn off the faucets in between tasks to save water and reduce costs. If you are able to use non-potable water for your production processes, contact a local water treatment facility like Econocycle to arrange to utilize this resource instead of fully treated water.

Landscape with Water Efficiency in Mind

When landscaping around your facility, keep water conservation in mind. Plant tree and shrub species that are native plants or drought-tolerant that don’t need constant watering. 

Similarly, install a turf species that can thrive without constant watering or choose low-growing ground coverings that will be attractive, yet reduce overall water use.

Simple actions can make a big difference in your utility costs. If business owners take the time to do an audit of their energy use and water use, they can often find a number of ways to conserve resources and reduce expenses. 

Implement a few of these tips, and you will soon find that saving on utility costs will become part of your annual budgeting.