Lighting is the most significant energy drain for most small businesses and one of the easiest energy-saving upgrades. Swapping out lightbulbs for high-efficient LEDs will use up to 80% less electricity. Since the return on your investment is usually rapid, this upgrade earns first place on our list. Energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) provide the same lighting level and warmer, more comfortable lighting colour than standard incandescent light bulbs at a fraction of the cost. New high-efficiency T8 and T5 fluorescent tubes which last longer (up to 16 years), cast attractive lighting colour and need less maintenance than standard T12 lamps. The new ballasts for the T8s and T5s – electronic instead of magnetic – make the system more efficient and best of all, eliminate the annoying hum and flicker.  Since exit signs are always on, switching regular bulbs for LEDs will significantly reduce energy use.

Use recommended thermostat set points. Every degree of cooling increases energy use by 4 to 5%. A programmable thermostat automatically controls temperature settings and saves on heat and cooling costs.

Electricity bills increase as you warm up or cool down your workspaces. Insulation, weather-stripping around doors, shades, awnings, or tinting over windows can improve the efficiency of a heating and cooling system by preventing heat gain or loss. Seal cracks and gaps, close doors or turn off the heating/cooling in unoccupied rooms. Avoid over-ventilating your workspace, as this removes the heat you paid to generate.

Electronics, printers, and other equipment draw standby electricity even when switched off. Make a point of unplugging these items overnight or when not in use, as this can help reduce your electricity bill. Energy-smart power strips can sense when equipment is not in operation.

Save energy by installing sensors in break rooms, washrooms, and storerooms. The sensors automatically shut off the lights when the space isn’t in use. Occupancy sensor switches are a cost-effective way to get significant energy savings. You’ll reduce lighting costs by up to 70%.

Insulate your hot water tank and wrap exposed hot water pipes with foam insulation to retain the heat. This will allow you to turn your tank’s thermostat down and reduce electricity/gas use.

Upgrade older equipment to more energy-efficient technologies to save on your electricity bill. For example, switching desktop computers/monitors for laptops. Energy Star© printers are a great start!

Appliances like fridges and freezers to realize the greatest savings. Keep fridges at 4°C and freezers at -18°C for optimal efficiency.

Free of ice build-up. Ensure fridge and freezer doors are sealed: Make sure they are tight and secure – if a piece of paper can slide through, the seal needs to be replaced.

In the store and refrigeration case, lighting can potentially reduce energy use by up to 75%.

In low-traffic rooms to potentially reduce lighting costs by up to 40%.

Shift baking and other electricity-heavy work to nights and early in the morning when electricity rates are lowest.

It increases cooking time – fill them to their recommended capacity.

This type of equipment retains more heat.

Every degree of cooling increases energy use by 4% to 5%. Use a programmable thermostat.

If you’re not using them, turn them off. Ensure fridge and freezer doors are sealed: Make sure they are tight and secure—if a piece of paper can slide through, the seal needs to be replaced.

Shift baking to off peak hours when electricity rates are lower and schedule pre-heating times for kitchen equipment (such as ovens, grills, broilers and fryers) to avoid heating unnecessarily when electricity rates are lowest.

Run dishwashing and laundry operations during off peak periods when electricity rates are the lowest.