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With increasing concerns around sustainability, more Arizona businesses are taking crucial steps toward reducing their carbon footprint. As many know, going solar is one of the best ways to do this. Additionally, cutting costs by reducing everyday energy use is also essential. In this blog post, we’ll discuss eight of the most common sources of energy usage in Arizona businesses and strategies you can implement within your organization to create a more eco-friendly operation.
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
A well-designed and maintained HVAC system provides optimal temperature and humidity levels and helps remove indoor pollutants, such as allergens and volatile organic compounds. However, while HVAC systems are essential for providing a comfortable and safe indoor environment, they’re responsible for some of the most energy consumption on residential and commercial properties.
According to the Department of Energy, the average HVAC system is responsible for 35% of a given building’s energy use. Although a well-running heating and cooling system is essential for a successful business, you should also look for ways to reduce HVAC costs wherever possible. Ways to improve HVAC efficiency include routine maintenance, sealing ductwork and air leaks around a building, and installing a zoning system to direct warm or cool air where it’s most needed.
Lighting
As concerns about energy efficiency increase, it’s wise to identify lighting solutions that will maximize your business’s savings. The price of lighting electricity for the average building is roughly $3.20-$4.00 per square foot, so this is not something to be taken lightly (pun intended).
LED lighting systems provide excellent energy efficiency benefits and have become the go-to lighting solution for many professionals. They can operate at lower heat and have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for regular replacements. Additionally, LED lights can be dimmed according to usage patterns, providing even greater energy savings. Investing in a system that will turn off and on with motion sensors is also a good idea. It may sound like a cliche, but turning off the lights when no one is around really is one of the easiest ways to save energy.
Office Equipment
In today's fast-paced world, investing in reliable office equipment is crucial to the success of any organization. Yet, with the demands of many modern businesses, you can spend a pretty penny on all that equipment—and the energy it consumes.
From multifunctional printers and scanners to sophisticated computers and servers, it takes a lot of technology to keep a business on its feet. That’s why investing in energy-efficient office equipment is as important as any other energy investment. Make sure computers have sleep and power mode settings, and install additional equipment to ensure servers do not get overheated. Again, turning off office equipment when no one is in the building is another simple and effective way to reduce energy usage.
Security Systems
Security systems may not be the first thing you think about when considering energy consumption, even though they are essential for countless facilities. Security equipment must be constantly on to be effective, which means it will consistently use energy. That’s why installing energy-efficient security lights, including solar options, is always a good idea. As always, you should talk to a professional before upgrading any security system, as you want your equipment to be programmed with energy-efficient settings.
Kitchen Appliances
Having the right kitchen appliances and equipment can make all the difference in creating a happy, productive work environment. There are endless options, from advanced ovens and ranges to powerful blenders and latte machines. However, between stoves, ovens, microwaves, refrigerators, and more, kitchen appliances can consume a lot of energy. That’s why you should encourage your employees to use these items responsibly in addition to purchasing energy-efficient equipment.
Water Heaters & Pumps
Water heaters are essential for maintaining comfortable and functional water temperatures, and pumps can be crucial for removing excess water that could cause damage. When choosing this kind of equipment, it's essential to consider factors such as the size of the unit, the intended use, and its energy efficiency.
If you have a large business, you might naturally assume the bigger, the better. However, this is only half true. The physical size of your building is important but so is the number of employees you have and what kind of use the equipment will go through. Choosing a unit that is too small or too big for your property, or putting it in a poor location, can waste a lot of money, so make sure you talk to a professional before installation. Additionally, regular maintenance and timely repairs can extend your equipment’s lifespan, prevent costly breakdowns, and keep the equipment operating efficiently.
Heavy-Duty Machinery
Large businesses and industrial sites commonly use heavy-duty equipment, like trash compactors, generators, trailer testers, and industrial-sized shredders. For many companies, when you invest in this type of equipment, you don’t want to upgrade for a long time. If you’re a business using old equipment, investing in new, more energy-efficient models is a good idea, as this old equipment could be costing you a lot of money.
Automatic Doors & Gates
Automatic doors and gates use electricity, and there’s no way around it. But much like other equipment you have on your property that you look at daily, you probably don’t think about how much energy they use. While automated systems are helpful, especially for security reasons, there are ways to make sure doors and gates are more energy-efficient. Consider installing newer models where necessary. Do not hesitate to hire a professional when malfunctions happen, and as always, consider upgrading to solar to help power your equipment with less reliance on your local utility.
Contact Commercial Solar Arizona Today
At Commercial Solar Arizona, we know there’s one surefire way to reduce your facility’s energy costs: going solar. Contact us today to learn more about how a solar system can benefit your bottom line and bring your business into the twenty-first century with cutting-edge, environmentally-friendly equipment.
Learn more or schedule an appointment by calling (480) 725-6518. You can also contact us online.
