5 Energy Strategies That Put Money Back Into Your Business

High overhead costs are burdensome for businesses that survive on slim margins. As supply chain problems and rising inflation result in unexpected operational cost increases, it’s more important than ever that business owners pay attention to their utility bills and explore opportunities to manage energy usage and unlock financial benefits.

Discover five ways your business can work with SD EnergyEdge to better control energy costs, reduce your carbon footprint, and earn incentives.

1. Upgrade your water heater

Conventional water heaters require large amounts of energy to heat and store water. Upgrading to a more efficient water heater can help lower your facility’s overall energy consumption. Tankless water heaters can heat water on demand and free up space with their lack of bulky storage tanks while also reducing standby energy loss. For those looking to electrify their water heater, a heat pump water heater (HPWH) may be a good solution. HPWHs draw existing heat from surrounding air to warm water in storage tanks, making them up to three times more efficient than traditional electric water heaters. SD EnergyEdge offers rebates for both types of water heaters, meaning either upgrade can come at little out-of-pocket cost for you.

2. Optimize HVAC efficiency with routine cleanings

It takes a lot of energy to heat, cool and ventilate. For most businesses, the HVAC system requires more energy to operate than any other piece of equipment or appliance. Older HVAC units in poor condition can waste energy. Cleaning condenser coils and replacing air filters are two ways businesses can improve performance. Upgrading to a new model designed with energy efficiency in mind will also result in lower utility costs and improved occupant comfort.

3. Utilize controls and energy management systems

Building systems like HVAC and lighting can waste energy by running longer than necessary, driving up utility bills. Adding smart controls and energy management systems can ensure your equipment is only in operation when needed. Automated scheduling, occupancy sensors, and real-time monitoring can help reduce energy usage, improve comfort, and increase your facility’s efficiency.

4. Wrap your water heaters with tank insulation

Even if you have a newer water heater, it could still be a source of unnecessary energy waste through standby heat loss. Adding insulation to your hot water system allows tanks to keep heat better, so that the water inside stays hot longer and is more readily available. Because tanks with insulation maintain a more constant hot water temperature, the heater won’t have to reheat water as often. The equipment then requires less energy to operate, improving efficiency.

5. Enroll in a demand response program

Installing efficient equipment is the first step to putting more money back in your pocket. You can take it a step further by pairing your new equipment with a demand response (DR) program. SD EnergyEdge can help you determine which DR program is the best fit for your facility and provide incentives to help offset the cost of integrating your system with DR. Earnings from DR programs can provide more money you can invest back in your business.

These five strategies can give you more control over your business’s energy use and lead to long term savings. SD EnergyEdge rebates reduce the cost of upgrading your equipment, making energy management a financial advantage for your business. Visit our rebates page to discover how these opportunities can work for you.