Guide to Cutting Your Energy Costs

How to save money with free, accurate and unbiased help and support

By Daniel Kehrer

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When it comes to conserving energy, small businesses can typically save as much money and prevent as much pollution per square foot as big companies. And all types of small businesses can easily cut energy costs, from home-based businesses and restaurants, to inns, service firms and even non-profits.

A great place to help you do it is Uncle Sam's "Energy Star" program for small business which delivers a powerful package of benefits that you can access for free. Environmental leadership adds value to your brand and your business.

What you get by joining the Energy Star program:

Free, accurate and unbiased information on cutting your energy costs.
A toll-free technical support hotline.
A "how-to" guide for analyzing and upgrading energy efficiency at your facility.
A resource directory of lenders willing to help small businesses with energy upgrades.
Connections to energy equipment and service contractors and utilities.
Free workshops and seminars on improving energy efficiency.
National and local recognition, plus PR materials to promote your efforts.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Explore the energy- and money-saving resources at Energy Star

This program is geared to the specific needs of small business.

I recommend: At the main Energy Star Web site, you can calculate potential savings, find answers to common questions or ask a technical question related to the program or saving energy at your small business.

Find energy saving product and service providers fast

Energy Star service and product providers can help identify and implement quality projects that will improve your total energy management.

I recommend: Use this Directory to locate the companies that can provide you the services and products that will help lower operating costs and increase your bottom line.

See small business energy-saving success stories

Small businesses of all types coast-to-coast are saving big on energy costs.

I recommend: For example, Kiddie U's daycare and learning facility in Orlando, FL is saving about $6,500, and preventing more than 120,000 pounds of CO2 emissions annually with high-efficiency air-conditioning, programmable thermostats, T8 fluorescent lamps/electronic ballasts, occupancy sensors, and optimal insulation. See how others are doing it.

Get financing for energy upgrades

Higher-cost energy upgrades may require financing.

I recommend: Click on your state to find financial resources for small business.

Investigate options for your specific type of business or industry

Energy Star offers information and resources tailed to various small business types.

I recommend: Click your business or industry: Grocery & Convenience Stores; Home Based Businesses; Lodging; Manufacturing; Renters & Tenants; Restaurants; Service & Product Providers.

Discover regional, state and local energy saving programs

Offerings can include financial and technical assistance to improve the energy efficiency of your business.

I recommend: See which states have programs available now.

Go for private sector solutions

Uncle Sam's not the only one offering free and unbiased help for cutting energy costs at your business.

I recommend: ENERGYguide can show you the many energy-saving options available to your business. ENERGYguide has information on how to lower your energy bills by replacing equipment, changing the way you use energy, or selecting a different electric or gas supplier if you live in a deregulated state. On ENERGYguide, you can: Sign up with an energy supplier of your choice; analyze your business energy use; shop for energy-efficient products for your business, and find a contractor.

Get cash back for your small business energy upgrades

Many suppliers and utility companies offer cash incentives for taking energy saving steps such as replacing lighting or joining special programs.

I recommend: See ENERGYGuide's More Ways to Save and enter your Zip Code to see what's available in your area.

Tap these other energy resources

Find other energy saving options at these supplier and information sites.

I recommend: Appliances; Energy Efficiency; Energy Types - Solar ; Energy Types - Wind ; Environment ; Remodeling .

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

If you are thinking about purchasing a new heating system, central air conditioning system, or room air conditioner for your business, look for ENERGY STAR models. These are the most energy efficient models on the market and will save you money.
Your office won't warm up any faster if you raise the thermostat setting. When your heating system is on it runs at the same rate regardless of the temperature setting.
Shut the doors to your business or at least try to minimize the number of times that doors to the outside are opened and closed.
Closing the heating vents or radiators in an unoccupied office can save 5-10% on your heating costs.
Leaks develop in all air ducts over time. Sealing these leaks in ducts can reduce heating costs by up to 20% with reductions of 10% extremely common.
Take advantage of the heat from the sun. Open shades on the southern and eastern windows during the day. Close these shades when the sun goes down to keep the heat from escaping.

The official source of Cutting Your Energy Costs is
the Cutting Energy Costs page at Business.com

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