If you run a small business, you might be looking for ways to reduce your outgoings this winter. Of course, arranging boiler cover and turning off the lights can certainly help, but what other green initiatives could your implement? Here are five energy-saving ideas that will get you through the cold spell without breaking the bank.
Use radiator reflector panels
As temperatures across the UK plummet, you’ve probably made the decision to switch all your radiators on. While this can increase the temperature of your working environment, hot air can escape through the wall, so it’s worth using radiator reflective panels. These sit behind your heating devices and reflect heat back into the room to ensure it stays as warm as possible.
Draught-proof your premises
One of the best ways to save money this winter is to make sure your workspace is as well-insulated as possible. This means sealing door and window frames with self-adhesive foam or rubber strips and placing compression threshold strips underneath external doors. You could also use a flexible sealant to fill in gaps between skirting and floorboards, as this stops hot air from escaping.
Lower your lighting costs
It might get dark early these days, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on lighting. According to the Energy Saving Trust, replacing traditional bulbs with compact fluorescent or 6W LEDs can make a big difference to your energy bills, so it’s worth looking into this solution. If you have meeting rooms that are frequently out of use, it could also be a good idea to install sensors, so you don’t waste electricity.
Turn all electrical items off
Did you know that computers, laptops, printers and other devices use electricity even when they are on standby? That’s right, a single PC and monitor that’s left on all day can cost over £50 a year, so you must turn everything off at the socket before you go home at night. If you have an office manager, it’s worth asking them to carry out a quick inspection before they leave to ensure all equipment is unplugged.
Lag your water pipes
During winter, water pipes can freeze and burst. This can cause significant damage to your property, so always lag them using a quality insulating material. If you’re good at DIY, this shouldn’t be too difficult to do yourself, but if you’re a little short on time it might be worthcalling in a plumber to help you out.
Saving money throughout the nippy spell and beyond is easier than you might think – you just need to make a few changes.
Related articles
Recommended Reads....
