Nationally, small businesses spend more than $60 billion on energy each year, so cutting energy use and cost can have a major impact on your bottom line.
The U.S. Small Business Administration estimates that small businesses that invest strategically can cut utility costs 10 to 20 percent without sacrificing service, quality or comfort.
Ohio's small business owners are getting smarter about the ways they use energy, and AEP Ohio is here to help. From replacing single pane windows to purchasing ENERGY STAR rated office equipment, entrepreneurs are taking control of their energy usage and costs. Thats really gridSMART!
Getting gridSMART at your business could include:
- Turning off lights and equipment when not in use.
- Buying ENERGY STAR qualified products.
- Installing lighting-occupant sensors in common areas where standard bulbs are used.
- Adjusting lighting to actual needs.
- Having your heating/air conditioning (HVAC) systems checked and serviced each year.
- Cleaning or changing HVAC filters regularly.
- Installing a programmable thermostat.
- Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs.
- Installing light-emitting diode (LED) exit signs.
- Covering or exposing daylight as appropriate in winter and summer.
- Using ceiling fans to circulate air.
- Plugging air leaks with weatherstripping and caulking.
- Water coolers cost American companies about $300 million annually to operate.
- Some models use 60-90 percent of their energy in standby mode, when the workplace is unoccupied.
- Insulating or placing timers on water coolers can reduce standby loss by more than 50 percent.
