SMBs can save money in 2013 through energy efficiency and reviewing costs.
The article on PromotionWorld comes from columnist Dave Thomas, who suggests that as 2013 approaches “it would probably behoove many small business owners to sit down and review their expenditures for the past year”.
Thomas adds that one overlooked cost is those “to heat and cool one’s office”, noting that energy bills for SMBs “may be taking some energy out of your ability to grow your small business”. He states that having the correct heating, ventilation and air conditioning (collectively known as HVAC) can use up to 40 percent of electricity in a commercial building, so getting it right could save a lot of money.
Adding that “there is a good chance you don’t know what your office heating and cooling bills amount to monthly”, Thomas contends that by reviewing efficiency, employee awareness, appliance capability and purchasing, SMBs can save much spending on energy bills.
In terms of efficiency, Thomas states that ways to do this can include energy-efficient windows and lighting systems as well as appliances, including computers, printers and refrigerators. Employees need to be aware as “if your employees are not on board with helping you save money around the office, you already behind the eight ball”. He adds that encouraging employees to “dress appropriately” is another way to “keep them comfortable”.
Focusing more on appliances, Thomas adds that “little things” like checking equipment for efficiency can pass business owners by, and notes that “whether it is the office heater or air conditioner, check it from time to time to make sure it is void of leaks, dirt clogging vents, filters are clean and work properly, and the system is running efficiently”.
Finally, looking at purchasing and shopping for the right providers is another necessary recommendation from Thomas, who states that business owners need to “review each company’s track record, its history of customer service, and its financial stability”, as “when you locate the right provider, you can devote some of your energy to other tasks at hand”.