7 Ways to Save Your Business Money This Winter

With cooler temperatures upon us, it’s not too early to start thinking about ways you can cut the energy bills for your business this winter. Especially as many are starting to return to the office, at least in a hybrid capacity. Check out these 7 smart things you can plan to do as the temperatures drop to keep the expenses associated with the winter season from heating up utility bills.

1. Stock Up on Salt: Slippery sidewalks are a lawsuit waiting to happen. Save yourself a headache by stocking up on salt now to properly de-ice the sidewalk, parking lot, and other high-traffic outdoor areas surrounding your business. It will reduce the potentially costly risks of employees or visitors getting injured from slips and falls.

2. Keep Employees Warm: Did you know that your employees are most productive when working in an environment set to 25 degrees Celsius according to researchers? Do yourself a favor and set the temperature favorably during working hours. It could save your business $2 per employee per hour in productivity according to a study conducted at Cornell University.

3. Don’t Chill Your Team Out: To reduce heating costs, lower the thermostat in work areas, but not too much. During non-work hours, turn the heat down back down to 13 degrees to lower your heating costs.

4. Keep the Doors Closed: Put up signs to remind your employees, delivery personnel, and even customers to keep exterior and freight doors closed as much as possible to lower heating bills.

5. Invite the Warmth of the Sun: Let the sunshine in through your business windows to maximize the light and warmth generated by direct sunlight. Once the sun goes down, remember to close the blinds or curtains to keep the heat in.

6. Check Your Insulation: Insulate your pipes and water heater to avoid wasting energy, and ultimately money. Also, check to make sure your pipes and fire sprinkler systems are well insulated to prevent costly water damage if they freeze and burst.

7. Seal Windows & Doors: Keep cold air out and warm air inside by properly sealing cracks and non-airtight windows and doors.

8. Don’t Go Overboard with Holiday Decorations: Holiday displays are a great way to spread holiday cheer and make your business look festive and more attractive. Just be sure to plan your decorations with energy savings in mind. For example, use a lighting timer to shut lights off after business hours. And consider investing in LED holiday lights, which are also good for the environment – they consume 99 percent less energy than traditional lights.