Beware! You May Be Wasting Energy at Night

Some businesses operate 24/7, but most open and close every day. When you leave at the end of the day, equipment in your building goes on using energy. Although you can't turn everything off, closing time is a great opportunity to make sure you're not wasting energy and money overnight or on the weekends. Here are some common types of after-hours energy waste and what you can do about them.

Comfort settings

A comfortable business environment is important, but not so much when you're not doing any business. Adjust the thermostat after hours to save energy, and you can reduce your heating and cooling costs significantly. A programmable thermostat makes it easy by automatically adjusting temperatures according to your schedule. Newer "smart" models include advanced features, such as remote control.

Lighting empty spaces

Security lighting is essential, but leaving lights running after hours in empty offices, break rooms, restrooms and other areas isn't very bright. It's easy for staff members to forget to switch lights off when they leave for the day. Lighting controls, such as timers and occupancy sensors, will ensure that lights are off after closing, or when a space is empty. And, they'll automatically turn them right back on when you need them.

Phantom loads

Computers, office equipment and other electrical devices around your facility continue to use power even after everyone has left for the day. Such "phantom loads" can be costly. Enable power management settings on all computers and office equipment. This puts these devices in low power "sleep mode" when they're not in use. Supplement power management settings with advanced power strips, which use timers or sensors to shut off power to connected devices.

Vending machines

Like other plugged-in equipment, vending machines keep on using power after hours. Everyone may have left for the day, but the energy waste will still be there on your monthly bills. Install occupancy sensors to shut off the compressor and front-panel lights when no one is present.

To optimize your energy use, consider an energy assessment of your business. A qualified auditor will examine your facility and provide you with a set of targeted set of cost-saving recommendations that will help you reduce your energy use all day, every day.