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How To Manage Your Business Energy Costs During The Summer

Now that summer has begun, it is a good time to start thinking about how you can better manage your business's energy costs. Here are just a few tips to help you save money on your summer energy bill and at the same time, improve the efficiency of your business operations.

 

Use Energy Efficient Devices

The use of energy efficient devices such as ENERGY STAR®-certified LED light bulbs and other ENERGY STAR products can significantly reduce business costs, particularly over the summer. In an effort to help you learn more about energy saving opportunities, ComEd offers a free assessment of facilities that require an energy demand of 100 KW or higher.

 

Use Ceiling Fans

Although Chicago temperatures can sometimes exceed 90 degrees with high humidity over the summer, you may dramatically lower your energy bill by simply using fans instead of air conditioners. According to ComEd's Energy Usage Guide, air conditioners with 2400 or 3600 watts make up the largest portion of a business's energy bill. Moreover, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) may account for as much as 30 percent of your total bill. Although there may be times when an air conditioner must to be used, ceiling fans without light require just 67 watts while a fan with three 60W bulbs uses just 245 watts. Lastly, if your HVAC system has to be used, operate it with optimum efficiency by performing regular maintenance and tune-ups.

 

ComEd Smart Meter & Energy Management Tools

ComEd offers energy management tools that allow you to assess your energy expenditures online via the digital information compiled by ComEd's smart meter. This includes the Business Energy Analyzer to pinpoint high use periods and the Energy Use Data tool, to help you determine the performance ratings of your building.

 

ComEd Small Business Energy Efficiency Program

As a small business owner, you can sign up with ComEd's Small Business Energy Savings Program (SBES). By participating in this program, not only will you save money on electric bills, but you can also receive discounts on project costs, along with other benefits. You can find out more visiting ComEd's page on Business Types.

 

Want to learn more about saving on energy costs for your small business? Contact ComEd at 866-368-8326 or visit ComEd.com/BizSmartMeter.

 

For more tips and inspiration for small business owners,
visit CBS Small Business Pulse Chicago.

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