Juggling high overheads can be one of the trickiest parts of running a small business. But being more efficient with your energy use is a great way to keep your expenses in check.

From upgrading your lighting to embracing smart meters and other technology, here are six simple steps you can take to help bring your energy costs down. These apply to all kinds of businesses, but especially if your business relies on energy during peak times like mornings and early evenings.

1. Optimise your lighting

Lighting can be a major energy drain – for some businesses it can account for 50 per cent of their energy bill. Here’s how to lighten the load:

• Switch to LEDs: Switching to LED lighting can slash lighting energy use by up to 50 per cent. Mackays Produce Solutions, which provides storage for tropical fruit growers in Queensland, was experiencing high energy demands from equipment such as transformers and electric motors. Energy company AGL installed a power factor correction unit and replaced 45 lights with LEDs. This led to savings of over $25,000 in two and a half years and an annual reduction of 170 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, you may even be eligible for government rebates to help you with the transition to LEDs through the Energy Savings Scheme.
• Turn lights off: Encourage your team to switch off lights when leaving a room (including cleaning staff when they finish up). Simple reminders such as ‘switch off’ stickers placed near switches can be effective.
• Make it automatic: Installing motion detectors and timers will ensure lights are only used when necessary.
• Maximise natural light: Open those blinds! Use daylight wherever you can. Move workstations to sunlit areas to light your space for free.

2. Power down unused devices

Did you know that standby power from your tech can add up to 10 per cent on your electricity bill? Many electronic devices can consume power even when they’re turned off.

Here’s how to counteract that:

• Switch off at the wall: Encourage staff to turn off appliances such as monitors and printers at the power source, when not in use. It’s not enough to just press the ‘off’ button on the device itself.
• Mind the HVAC: Turn off air conditioners and heaters in empty spaces to prevent wasting energy.

3. Embrace automation

Let technology lend a hand in managing your energy efficiency by:

• Scheduling power-downs: Set computers and equipment to shut off automatically after hours to save energy without any effort required on you or your staff. If you have a TV screen at your shopfront advertising your services, consider whether it really needs to be on in the middle of the night or if it can be automated to switch off at times when there’s no foot traffic.
• Getting smart with plugs: Smart plugs can help you control devices and monitor energy use, so you can adjust as needed, automatically powering devices on and off according to your schedule. These can usually be controlled via an app.

4. Control the climate

Managing your heating and cooling settings can make a big difference in your energy bill:

• Set the ideal temperature range: For optimal efficiency, set your office to 24-25°C in the summer and 18-20°C in the winter.
• Seal the leaks: Make sure your office is well-sealed with draught strips and use self-closing louvres for ventilation fans’ covers to prevent energy loss.

5. Use smart refrigeration practices

If your business depends on refrigeration, these tips can help lower energy use:

• Efficient stocking: Restock fridges at the end of the day to minimise compressor use from frequent door openings and energy waste.
• Regular temperature checks: Keep an eye on temperatures to ensure they’re set correctly for the products you store.
• Maintain seals: A well-sealed fridge is far more energy-efficient, so replace any worn seals promptly.
• Service your equipment: A bit of regular TLC can avoid unnecessary energy waste. Refrigerated display cabinets, for example, can use as much as 10 per cent more energy if they’re not cleaned regularly. Similarly, dusty vents and filters make your air conditioning systems work harder than needed, so keep them clean.

6. Upgrade and monitor your energy-efficient appliances

When it’s time to get new appliances, aim for the stars – energy stars, that is. More stars mean more savings over time.

Also, make use of smart meters. These give you valuable insights into your energy usage, allowing you to identify further areas for savings and efficiency.

And finally, track your energy usage through your provider’s app. The AGL app lets you check your energy use and solar exports on the go, providing insights so you can spot opportunities to save, as well as making it easier to submit your meter reads.

By making these energy-saving moves, you’re not just trimming some fat off your bills, you’re investing in a smarter, sustainable future for your business. Make those small tweaks, see the long-term wins.

Make your energy work for you

Looking for cost-effective, efficient and innovative energy solutions for your business? Take care of your business energy needs with simple, competitive business energy plans from AGL. Find the right small business plan for you.

This article is brought to you by Business Builders in partnership with AGL.