Proof: Small cost-savings add up to a bundle

Companies are often under pressure to find that one, big energy-saving idea.

Chances are experience has shown you that it’s not so easy. If there was a no-brainer, big savings stategy every company would’ve done it by now.

You’ll reduce frustration – and find significant, long-term savings – taking eneryg-efficiency and facility improvement steps instead.

Here are a few easy fixes that added up, will reduce energy costs and add more to your bottom line:

Are you missing any opportunities?

• Have your facility department or building services contractor check for leaks around windows, doorways and loading docks with an infrared thermometer. They can rent an thermometer or buy one for under $100. Then have them seal any cracks that are leading to leaks of warm or cool air.

• Do any of your facility’s boilers or hot water heaters feel warm to the touch? If so, they’re wasting energy dollars. Solution: Have maintenance staffers fit a fiberglass blanket for all water heaters. One word of warning: Don’t cover any of the heating elements, including the burner hole or controls, with fiberglass.

• Replace any old microwave ovens. Newer Energy Star-rated microwaves use much less energy and are worth the money. If you can’t replace the microwaves now, plug them and other appliances, such as coffee makers, into more efficient powerstrips.

• Install reflective window film on south-facing windows. Reflecting more sunlight will keep the temperature down and reduce the amount your air handlers work.

• Eliminate fax machines. Employees can easily print documents, then scan them on multi-purpose printers into downloadable PDF files. (Most are doing so already). Fax machines waste energy in most offices because they’re not used very much anymore.

For more ideas, check out www.energystar.gov.