Business Cooling Tips

Courtesy of DTE Energy

Extreme hot weather causes your cooling equipment to run longer and this increase in usage will have an impact on your energy bill. Here are some tips to help you save on your energy costs.

Consider increasing the temperature to 78 degrees, or any higher-than-normal temperature you are comfortable with, when your business is closed, or you are away, allowing you to save on cooling costs. If you are going to be away for an extended period, set the temperature even higher or shut it off for optimum energy efficiency and cost savings.

Check heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) filters monthly, especially during the summer. If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every three months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you cool, wasting energy.

Close off rooms, floors or entire wings if they are not essential. You’ll be able to cut back lighting and HVAC usage, reducing your bills even further.

At grocery stores, refrigeration is the biggest electricity drain by far, accounting for almost 80% of consumption. Keep the doors to your cold storage units shut as much as possible. Repeated fluctuations in temperature can also damage food quality and lead to inventory waste. Equipment such as computers, bar-code readers, deli scales and deli cooking equipment can be shut down when idle.

Ovens tend to be more efficient than rotisseries, and griddles more than broilers. Examine your cooking methods and menu to find ways to utilize your energy-efficient appliances more frequently. Add strip curtains and automatic door closers to your walk-in refrigerator. Inexpensive and easy to install, strip curtains can cut outside air infiltration by about 75%. Use dishwashers only when full to conserve energy, water and detergent.

Identify motors that are operating unnecessarily and shut them down. This could be as simple as ceiling fans running in unoccupied
spaces or as complicated as cooling tower fans still running after target temperatures have been met. Install a simple solenoid valve so that equipment can be turned off when it is no longer using compressed air.

Take advantage of DTE cash-back incentives that can reduce up-front costs and maximize your savings. Plus, you may qualify for low- and no-interest loans from the Michigan Saves program, which helps make energy efficiency upgrades affordable. For more money saving tips and programs to help lower your energy usage and your bill especially during the hot summer months, visit dteenergy.com/savenow.