How to Save Money on Your Business Energy Bill
Ray Cogan
Lowering your energy use is a major opportunity to save some money on expenses.
In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, about 30% of energy use in buildings is inefficient and unnecessary. That means a lot of businesses could benefit from tightening up their energy use.
So, where do you start? For many businesses, lighting and cooling use the most electricity, but energy use will naturally depend on the nature of the operations. For instance, auto dealers, restaurants and hotels typically use more energy per square foot than an office building will. For a home-based business, the top energy consumers are usually lighting, cooling and computers.
Whether you manage a facility or work out of your home, you can take steps to save energy. Here are a few ideas to consider.
HOW TO LOWER YOUR BUSINESS ENERGY BILL
- Request an energy audit.
A professional energy audit gives you a personalized, room-by-room look at ways to save energy. It’s a smart first step before you make any major investments to upgrade your building for efficiency, such as insulation or ventilation. Read more about energy audits from Energy.gov.
To find an audit professional in your area, start by asking your utility provider. Some utility providers provide complimentary on-site energy assessments to commercial customers. Otherwise, they can recommend a trusted professional in your area. Expect to pay around $300 to $800 depending on the services you receive, reports the Residential Energy Services Network.
- Upgrade lighting.
Energy.gov reports that energy-efficient light bulbs can use up to 80% less energy and last 25 times longer
than their traditional counterparts. Replacing traditional light bulbs with efficient CFL or LED versions can save you $10 to $20 annually, per bulb. Want to see for yourself? Download this interactive light bulb calculator from EnergyStar.gov.
- Invest in window treatments.
During cooling season, use blinds, thick curtains, or drapes to keep sunlight out. When you need the heat, let the sun shine in to help warm up the room. Solar screens, awnings, or even planting trees can help control solar heat, too.
- Keep an eye on the thermostat.
Keep things a little cooler in the winter and a little warmer in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs. That adds up: The Department of Energy reports that you can save 1% for each degree of thermostat adjustment per 8 hours. Even better? Upgrade to a smart thermostat to take the hassle out of managing things manually.
- Tune up your HVAC system.
Get annual inspections to keep your system operating at peak performance. And don’t forget to clean or change your filters every month, especially during peak heating and cooling seasons. A dirty filter overworks your system and costs more to use.
- Use a power strip.
Did you know many devices – like that coffee maker in the break room – continue to draw a small amount of energy when they’re plugged in and turned off? Power strips are your friend to help attack these “energy vampires.” Just leave them plugged in but switch off the power strip when they’re not in use.
- Turn off equipment when you’re not using it.
Computer monitors are a big culprit here. If you leave them on overnight and on weekends, that can add an extra $30 to your energy bill each year.
- Invest in ENERGY STAR rated equipment.
You can trust the ENERGY STAR rating as a credible, unbiased source of performance and energy efficiency. Look for it on appliances, office equipment, ceiling fans, electronics and more. Learn more about ENERGY STAR on their website.
- Get employees on board. Saving energy shouldn’t be a solo effort. Make sure your employees know energy savings are a priority to the business so they know how to help. Don’t forget to ask them for their ideas on ways to save. Even a simple swap – like warmer uniforms for winter so you can lower the thermostat – can help you reach your goals while keeping employees happy, too.
You’ve worked hard to grow your business. We can help protect it with the right business insurance. Talk to your local ERIE agent for a complimentary coverage review.
The post How to Save Money on Your Business Energy Bill appeared first on Lindquist Insurance.
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We serve the Annapolis and Frederick, MD area.
Spring brings longer days, blooming landscapes, and unpredictable weather for businesses in Annapolis and Frederick, Maryland. Storms in the Mid-Atlantic can bring heavy rain, flooding, hail, and strong winds, often leading to costly damages for business owners. That’s why now is the perfect time to evaluate your business insurance coverage and ensure you’re protected against the unique seasonal risks spring brings. *** Why Spring Storms Matter to Maryland Business Owners Maryland's spring weather is known for its volatility. Sudden thunderstorms, high winds, and localized flooding can affect both coastal towns like Annapolis and inland areas like Frederick. In 2022 alone, several businesses in Frederick County experienced power outages and property damage due to intense spring storms. Similarly, businesses near the Chesapeake Bay face storm surges and flash flooding, especially during early-season weather systems. For local businesses—from boutique shops in downtown Annapolis to industrial warehouses near Frederick’s tech corridor—spring weather disruptions can mean more than just cleanup. They can lead to business interruptions, loss of inventory, and expensive repairs. How Business Insurance Can Help Business insurance is a critical safeguard that provides financial protection when natural disasters strike. But not all policies are created equal. Understanding the specific coverages that protect against spring-related risks can make a big difference when it matters most. Here are the top types of business insurance you should review this season: 1. Commercial Property Insurance. This is the foundation of most business insurance policies. It covers your physical assets, such as your building, equipment, and inventory, if they’re damaged by covered perils like wind, hail, or lightning. If a windstorm damages the roof of your downtown Annapolis storefront or flooding ruins inventory stored in your Frederick warehouse, commercial property insurance helps cover repair and replacement costs. Be sure to check if your policy includes flood protection. You may need to purchase separate flood insurance, especially in flood-prone areas near the Chesapeake Bay. 2. Business Interruption Insurance. Also known as business income insurance, this coverage kicks in if your operations are forced to shut down due to storm-related damage. It covers lost income, payroll, rent, and other operating expenses during the downtime. Imagine a storm causes structural damage to your Frederick café, requiring you to close for two weeks. Business interruption insurance can help you stay afloat financially until you reopen. 3. Equipment Breakdown Insurance. Spring storms can lead to power surges and electrical issues, which can damage your essential equipment, like refrigerators, HVAC systems, or point-of-sale terminals. Equipment breakdown insurance helps cover the cost of repair or replacement, so your operations don't have to close temporarily. This is crucial for restaurants, retail shops, and healthcare facilities in Annapolis and Frederick that rely on specialized machinery. 4. Commercial Auto Insurance. If your business uses vehicles for deliveries, transportation, or service calls. Make sure your commercial auto insurance includes comprehensive coverage. This protects your vehicles from non-collision-related damages, including those caused by hail, fallen trees, or flooding. Local fleets operating between Annapolis and Frederick are especially vulnerable during spring travel, when roads may be slick or obstructed. 5. General Liability Insurance. Spring storms sometimes lead to unexpected hazards, like a slippery floor or fallen debris outside your storefront, that can cause injury to customers or passersby. General liability insurance covers medical costs, legal fees, and settlements if someone gets hurt on your property. This type of coverage is essential for public-facing businesses, such as those located along the bustling streets of Annapolis or in Frederick’s historic downtown district. Take These Steps Now to Stay Protected Review Your Policy with a Local Agent. Insurance needs vary depending on location, business type, and risk exposure. A local agent, like the experienced team at Lindquist Insurance, can assess your current coverage and suggest any needed updates tailored to the Annapolis and Frederick regions. 1. Document and Protect Your Assets. Take an inventory of your equipment, supplies, and property. Back up digital records and store documents off-site or in the cloud. This speeds up claims processing in the event of a loss. 2. Create a Spring Storm Preparedness Plan. Include emergency contact lists, backup power sources, evacuation procedures, and a communication plan for employees and customers. 3. Schedule an Annual Insurance Checkup. Use the changing season as a reminder to reassess your business insurance needs. Your business evolves—and so should your protection. At Lindquist Insurance , we’re proud to serve the business communities of Annapolis and Frederick, MD. Our goal is to help you weather any storm with confidence, knowing you’re covered where it counts. Whether you run a waterfront shop in Annapolis or a growing service business in Frederick, our team is ready to help you find the right business insurance solutions for the spring season and beyond. Contact our business insurance specialists today for a free business insurance review or call us at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com. *** For more information on Maryland weather, visit the Weather US website .
At Lindquist Insurance, we’re here to help you with your car insurance now and in the future. If you're thinking about switching your car insurance and live in Frederick, Annapolis, or Washington, DC, now is the perfect time to reach out. At Lindquist Insurance, our friendly local agents make the process simple, fast, and tailored to you. We’ll compare top providers, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way.
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