As 2013 approaches, it would probably behoove many small business owners to sit down and review their expenditures for the past year.
One such cost that is likely oftentimes overlooked is the costs to heat and cool one’s office. In fact, the energy bill may be taking some energy out of your ability to grow your small business.
While you likely know the salaries of your employees, how much it costs to advertise and market your business, along with how much health insurance and other benefits may be costing you, there is a good chance you don’t know what your office heating and cooling bills amount to monthly.
According to research, the correct heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (known as HVAC) together add up to some 40 percent of the electricity businesses use in commercial buildings.
So, where do you start when it comes to breaking down the monthly bill that your office air conditioner, ventilating system, and heater end up costing you?
Among the things to review include:
* Efficiency - One of the biggest challenges to keeping your energy expenses low (most notably heating and cooling) is making sure you are efficient. Ways to do this include putting in energy-efficient windows, improving the lighting systems, purchasing efficient office appliances such as computers, printers, refrigerators etc that do not give off too much heat, and making sure all your vents are properly working, clear of dirt and debris;
* Get your employees on board - One of the most important aspects of getting your office energy bills down (specifically your heating and cooling needs), means selling it to your office staff. If your employees are not on board with helping you save money around the office, you are already behind the eight ball. Encourage your employees to dress appropriately around the office so that you do not have to always be turning the heat up or the air down to keep them comfortable;
* Review appliances - You may be so busy running your small business that some of the little things slip by, as in checking office equipment to make sure it is providing you with the right amount of production. Whether it is if the office heater or air conditioner, check it from time to time to make sure it is void of leaks, dirt clogging vents, filters are clean and work properly, and the system is running efficiently. If it is has to work twice as hard to warm or cool your office, you can bet those costs will show up in your monthly utility bill;
* Shop for the right providers - Finally, there are a number of providers out there that can help you reduce your utility expenses with the right heating and cooling purchases. When you shop for such products, review each company’s track record, its history of customer service, and its financial stability. When you locate the right provider, you can devote some of your energy to other tasks at hand.