With winter fully under way, it can be hard not to rack up those energy bills.

Take a look at some of our suggestions below to see what you could do for your business to keep costs low during the winter months.

Power Down to Save Energy

It is good practice to ensure that any equipment not in use is turned off. If each person in the office or business takes responsibility for switching off and unplugging unused equipment, electricity consumption could be reduced by up to 75%.

This works really well when everyone gets involved, as it helps to establish strong working practices, especially during winter when more energy is needed to heat up the building etc.

Simply turning off equipment and staying proactive is a habit that goes a long way. It is often overlooked, but it could save you from costly energy bills this winter.

Get your heating under control

Heating is where winter money disappears, so it deserves its own attention.

Check your timer settings first. Buildings are often heated for hours when nobody is in them, early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Match the schedule to your actual occupancy, and remember to adjust it for holiday shutdowns.

Then look at the temperature itself. Turning the thermostat down by just one degree can cut heating costs noticeably, and most people won't feel the difference. Make sure radiators and vents aren't blocked by furniture or boxes, and bleed radiators that are cold at the top.

Draughts undo good heating fast. Simple draught proofing around doors, windows, and loading bays keeps the warm air you've paid for inside the building.

Lighting

Lighting plays a major role for every business. It runs continuously through the working day, so the type of lighting you choose has a significant impact on your bills.

Incandescent and halogen bulbs are not energy efficient and draw a large amount of electricity. They were widely used when our energy mix relied heavily on fossil fuels. Today there are far better options that use less power, last longer, and cost far less to run.

The main upgrades are LED lighting and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). LEDs are the standard choice now. They use a fraction of the electricity of older bulbs and can last for years without replacement. Smart LEDs cost slightly more but add features such as dimming, scheduling, and other programmable functions.

Don't forget the simplest fix of all: lights left on in empty rooms. Occupancy sensors in meeting rooms, toilets, corridors, and storage areas remove the human error entirely. If you've not considered updating your lighting before, it could save you a small fortune.

Have you got an Energy Management System in place?

Having an Energy Management System (EMS) in place for your business could save you anywhere from 20% to 30% on your energy bills. But how does it save you money?

Once installed on your meters, an EMS can monitor and track real-time energy usage, helping you identify when and where energy is being wasted throughout the week. By reviewing the data collected, you can resolve issues such as heating coming on during the night when no one is in the building. This helps you maximise your building’s energy efficiency during working hours, leading to significant monthly and yearly savings.

You gain full control over your energy use and gain the ability to monitor it at any time from your chosen device. It can also act as an early warning system if any equipment, such as an HVAC unit, is not operating correctly. Reduced efficiency will show up in the data, helping you spot problems sooner and avoid months of unnecessary energy waste.

Why not check out Purely Insights? We currently have a 30-day free trial on our energy monitoring software. Get in touch with us today if you're interested!

Are you in the correct kVA banding?

You may be surprised by how many businesses overpay on their energy bills simply because they are not aware of their kVA banding. If your banding is incorrect, your standing charges increase, which means you will simply be charged more than what you actually use. You can check whether you are in the correct banding by reviewing your energy bill. This will point you towards the correct Distribution Network Operator (DNO), who can confirm your current capacity and banding.

We can also assist by carrying out a free kVA review for your business.

Review your contract before winter prices bite

Winter is when energy prices are at their most volatile. If your contract is approaching renewal, don't leave it until the last minute. Out-of-contract and deemed rates are usually far higher than negotiated ones, and a rushed renewal rarely lands the best deal. Reviewing your options a few months ahead gives you room to secure better terms.

Can we help lower your energy bills?

We can advise you and compare market rates to ensure you get the best deal.

If you are interested in a free kVA review or would like a 30-day free trial of our energy monitoring software, Purely Insight, simply fill in the box below, and a member of our team will be in touch with you soon.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us on 0161 521 3400