Energy and performance upgrades in buildings may require upfront costs to obtain long-term savings, so it’s important to assess the opportunities with a professional before committing to a scope of work. If your business consists of several buildings, start developing your plan by identifying the largest energy consuming buildings. Once the building or buildings needing attention are chosen for efficiency upgrades, determine which component of the building consumes the most energy. These may include heating and cooling equipment, water heating and distribution, machines, lighting or others.
Explore these brands for products and services to help with adopting cost-cutting measures!
Many home energy efficiency strategies apply to a small business too! See below for more general energy information or go to our Homeowners page.
What does energy efficiency do for me?
Saves you money by lowering your electric and gas utility bills.
Makes your office building last longer by working better.
Improves the indoor air quality that your staff and clients breathe every day.
Increases the value of your office building, so that when you sell it, it’s worth more.
Corrects health hazards and safety issues from gas-emitting equipment.
Lowers your office’s dependence on natural resources like oil and coal.
Promotes environmental responsibility through managing resources better.
Improves the comfort level of your office – temperatures are more steady throughout, hot and cold air are sent to rooms where they are supposed to be, and more.
Address the “low hanging fruit” first – fix small issues and make small improvements to save money immediately without spending much.
Focus on your attic and heating and air system.
Make improvements that last and are easy to use – install a programmable thermostat that helps manage your home’s heating and air system to save money.
Change out incandecent lightbulbs for CFLs and LEDs to instantly reduce consumption.
For additional options, consult the “Helpful Links and Resources” section to the right.
Purchase a few bottles of caulk, handheld foam and a few rolls of weatherstripping and seal up holes around the office. Caulk around baseboards to prevent air from coming in, foam up penetrations around plumbing lines under sinks and through walls, install weatherstripping to seal up doors and windows.
Replace air filters in your heating and air system.
Replace incandescent lightbulbs with CFLs and LEDs.
Plant shade trees around outdoor heating and air equipment.
Wrap your water heater with a blanket.
Fix broken or falling duct lines and seal up the duct system with mastic.
Looking for more DIY energy saving tips?
DIY guides for air sealing, detecting air leaks, cleaning a dryer vent and more!
Check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s list of DIY energy saving projects!
Interested in lowering your business’ carbon footprint? Click here to learn more about NC GreenPower, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to improve the quality of the environment in North Carolina through a statewide program that connects consumers with green energy and carbon offset providers.
Understand your problem first, then identify the right resource.
Consult with a reputable resource, such as the Contractor Directory on this website.
Look for professional certifications and accreditations – particularly for work that requires licensure (heating air air, for example).
Ask for referrals from neighbors and other trusted resources.
Obtain multiple bids and ask the right questions – consult a checklist of questions to ask before you hire someone.
Still have questions? Email or call us for free help from our staff.