It can be expensive to keep your small business up and running. From equipment maintenance and repairs to lighting the premises, the costs associated with operating a workplace can quickly add up.
That’s why it helps to look for ways to trim expenses wherever possible. And a great place to start is by using smart technology to reduce your energy consumption.
Below we look at how you can improve your business’ energy efficiency with Notion.
Energy Efficiency in the Workplace
From lighting to heating systems, office equipment, and more, many small businesses spend thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars on energy each year.
In fact, according to Energy Star, US small businesses collectively spend more than $60 billion a year on energy.
This isn’t just costly, it’s also unnecessary – small businesses that invest in energy efficiency can save 10 to 30% on utility costs. Plus, by becoming more energy efficient, small businesses can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent excess pollution.
If you’re looking for tips on how to root out the biggest energy-wasting culprits in your workplace, check out our guide here. Keep reading for 5 ways to improve your business’ energy consumption from heating and cooling.
#1: Focus on Insulation
Installing proper insulation is by far the most practical, cost-effective, and easy way to reduce energy waste in the workplace.
Not only does insulation keep heat inside during the winter months (and outside in the summer), it can also improve indoor air quality by keeping out allergens, contaminants, and other pollutants.
Start by examining your existing insulation – particularly in the attic, crawlspace, basement, and exterior walls. If you notice any signs of deterioration (look for signs of water damage, mold, dirt, and grime) consider hiring a professional to replace it.
While you’re at it, you should also look for drafts around floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and fireplaces. If you find any, use caulking, spray foam, or weather stripping to seal the air leak.
#2: Tune-up Your HVAC System Regularly
For the typical business, heating and cooling will consume more energy than any other equipment in your workplace, accounting for roughly 40% of your business’ utility bill.
That’s why one of the most important things to focus on when improving your business’ energy efficiency is your HVAC system.
This could simply mean replacing your HVAC filters or hiring an HVAC professional to inspect and tune-up your system.
If it’s been a while since your last inspection, we recommend going with the second option.
Not only will they make sure that your furnace is running safely and efficiently, they’ll also check for carbon monoxide, clean the motor and fan, and inspect the gas piping and ducting.
#3: Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Beyond their convenience, one of their biggest benefits of smart thermostats is that they can help you save money by making your business more energy efficient.
Many of the most popular smart thermostats come with “adaptive technology” that automatically makes temperature adjustments throughout the day based on your habits and patterns.
So, for example, if your business opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m., a smart thermostat will reduce the temperature in your workspace during those “away hours” and therefore cut down on your energy consumption.
But many also come with advanced tracking features so you can tell how much energy you’re using at any given time, and diagnostic capabilities, which can detect when there’s a problem with your ducting or HVAC system. All of this is designed to make your business' climate more convenient to control — and easier on your wallet.
#4: Install Notion’s Smart Temperature Sensors
For all their benefits, smart thermostats aren’t foolproof. One of the biggest shortcomings is that they generally only read the temperature in the room that they’re located in.
If your workspace is large with multiple rooms on different levels, it may not offer a truly accurate reading of the temperature in your business.
This is one of the main reasons why so many businesses use Notion’s smart temperature sensors together with their smart thermostat – it gives them a more in-depth look at temperatures throughout the workspace.
You could have one sensor installed in your inventory room and another by the front door. Each will collect real-time data about temperature and alert you if that room has become too hot or too cold based on your set parameters.
Here’s another massive benefit – you can connect your Notion Sensor to your smart thermostat via IFTTT (If This Then That).
For example, you can automatically set your Nest Thermostat to a certain temperature when a Notion detects that it’s too hot or cold. Similarly, if you have an Ecobee thermostat, you can use the IFTTT connection to automatically change the settings of your thermostat when Notion detects an open window.
Supercharge your smart thermostat with Notion!
#5: Upgrade Your Windows
Another way to cut down on your energy waste is by installing high-efficiency coated windows that are designed to block heat transfer in the winter and the summer. In fact, selecting energy-efficient windows, doors, and skylights can save you hundreds of dollars a year on your utility bills!
Another easy and effective way to prevent heat from escaping your business is to block openings with curtains. Usually, thick curtains – even those with special thermal linings – are easy to find and fairly inexpensive. Try hanging these curtains in front of your windows and doors. Doing so will cover up the most significant areas for heat loss and add another layer of protection.
And that’s it! Hopefully this guide can help you save some money on your next utility bill!
