According to the Department of Energy, 11% of your utility bill goes towards your lights.  By taking a quick look at your business’s energy bill, you can calculate just how much this is and how much you can potentially save.  Ideally, the best way to tackle this issue is to hire an energy auditor but as that’s an expense most aren’t willing to pay (and we completely understand why), we’ve got the next best solution.  Read on for some tips on how you can be your own business’ energy auditor!

Switch: Trash those inefficient incandescent bulbs and replace them with energy efficient compact florescent lights (CFLs) as they consume 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and also produce 75 percent less heat.  Another would be light emitting diodes (LED).  Such bulbs cost more but they last for years so they’re more than worth it.

Turn it off: When you leave a room, turn off the lights.  How many rooms or offices are left empty for hours at a time while the lights stay on?  You definitely don’t want to work in the dark but turning the lights back on is just as easy as turning them off.

Sensors: One easy way to deal with the last tip is to install occupancy sensors.  With occupancy sensors, the lights will turn off when there is no motion in the room.  Occupancy sensors are especially handy in conference rooms, restrooms, and storage areas as people tend to forget to switch off the lights in these rooms.

Research: Do you know how much your business is paying per kilowatt hour of electricity?  The best way to find out is to call your retail electricity provider and if you’re not in the middle of a contract, see what new offers they have available.  If you don’t think they have the most competitive rates, shop around.  Deregulation gives you the power to choose, take advantage of it.