Every business owner in the northern United States—especially Michiganders—knows that preparing commercial buildings for a rough winter is an essential fall to-do list item. You can protect your building and your business operations from damage by doing things like evaluating your roof’s snow load, insulating your plumbing, and developing an emergency business continuity plan. But just as you would at home, it’s equally important to protect your budget by planning for energy efficiency in your commercial space. The Department of Energy and Environment offers a few key tips.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Set your thermostat to 68 degrees when the workplace is occupied and 60-65 degrees after business hours. This measure can save up to three percent for each degree the thermostat is lowered in the winter. And don’t worry, the low temp might not feel as chilly as you expect. In a well-insulated space, the body heat of your employees can raise the indoor temperature considerably—for free.
Service Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system works hard throughout the year, but winter is the season that causes the most strain. Before first running the heat, hire a professional for a full inspection to ensure the system can run properly. Make any recommended repairs early to prevent more costly ones later. And since you won’t be using them in the winter, cover outdoor air conditioning units to protect them from the cold.
If your heating and cooling unit is near the end of its life, consider investing in energy efficient HVAC systems for commercial buildings.
Invest in Efficient Lighting
Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs and upgrade fluorescent lighting fixtures to high-efficiency versions, which can reduce costs significantly in a commercial setting. Switching out incandescent bulbs with LED ones in electric signs can save up to 95 percent of the normal cost of keeping signs lit.
Winterizing your commercial building with energy efficiency in mind is a smart business move. It not only protects your bottom line and peace of mind, but the environment as well. Investing in energy efficient appliances and systems can be stress-free—consider financial assistance to make this work within your business budget.
Prepare Your Commercial Space Ready for Winter with Michigan Saves
If you live in Michigan and your business is ready to invest in winterization or green appliances, Michigan Saves, the nation’s first nonprofit green bank, can help you finance new and safe energy efficient upgrades.
Michigan Saves also helps keep Mother Nature from costing you all year long. Our financing can quickly turn your commercial space into a comfortable and energy efficient workplace by paying for virtually any energy upgrade you need. Check out our list of eligible improvements and get professional help from one of our authorized contractors in your area. Make your work greener by falling into energy savings with us today!
