Seattle Commercial & Industrial Electrical Contractor
4826 B Street NW Suite 101 Auburn, WA 98001
Mon-Fri: 7AM- 4PM
22 Jan 2019
energy saving strategies

Energy Saving Strategies for the Workplace

The New Year helps motivate positive changes by influencing resolutions toward business success. However, improving your workspace can impact mood and productivity. Keep your office environment in mind by discovering beneficial ways to conserve energy. Focusing on energy conservation is quite easy and relatively inexpensive or even cost-free. Explore three of our easy energy saving strategies to keep energy costs down this year.

  1. Discover Current Energy Use

First, start by examining current electrical bills and begin to understand and analyze regular usage patterns. In particular, figure out how much energy is consumed during after-hours. Also, check for any unusual spikes of energy consumption. Do you see any trends? Evaluating energy consumption patterns in the past can help set the basis for energy saving strategies in the future. This will help uncover where improvements can be made.

  1. Unplug Devices Not in Use

One common mistake that everyone tends to commit is leaving office devices and equipment plugged in, especially when they are not being used. It is important to know that plugged in devices, whether on or off will drain energy. Also, practice turning off electrical devices and unplugging anything electrically powered at the end of each workday to help reduce energy consumption.

  1. Involve Employees

Encourage your employees to become more energy efficient! To take it a step further, try implementing “eco-friendly” competitions and provide rewards. This can be a fun way to increase office morale, promote a positive office culture, and enhance productivity. For example, encourage employees to use reusable utensils, cups, and plates. Finally, make them keep track of their usage and track it as an office.

  1. What Else Can I Do?

There are endless ways to conserve energy in the workplace. Whether it is something small or monumental, any effort can have a significant impact in the future. If you want to go above and beyond, discover this comprehensive office energy checklist: https://www.energy.gov/eere/femp/office-energy-checklist

Kirby Electric is a Premier Electrical Contractor Serving the Greater Seattle Area

As Seattle’s premier electric company, Kirby Electric specializes in commercial and industrial lighting. We provide top electrical services that best fit your building’s needs and present energy management solutions. Such solutions provide economically and environmentally beneficial services. Contact us today and request a quote at (253) 859-2000 or online here to learn more about our services.

27 Apr 2018
energy saving

Energy Saving Tips for Spring

Have you started your annual spring cleaning? While focusing on enhancing or tidying up your office or home, expand maintenance by also focusing improving how electricity is utilized. There is nothing better than to save money! Discover Kirby Electric’s quick and easy energy saving tips for spring to cut down on monthly electric bills.

Regulate the Thermostat

How often do you pay attention to a thermostat Even a simple change of two degrees can have some significance on reducing energy costs. Turn up the thermometer during the warmer seasons, and turn them down during the winter. By doing this, a consumer can potentially save approximately $180 in overall energy costs throughout the year.

Dusting

Dusting may be one of those office/home chores that are often overlooked, but make time to do so this spring! Electronics run less efficiently the more dust collects in a residence. Vents and computers happen to be one of the top items that are affected by dust, as it can cause overheating. Try to dust on a regular basis to ward off electrical issues and computer fires.

Unplug

Another energy saving tip is to utilize standby power settings. Also, turning off electronics that require electricity can help save an average of $5 each month in a home. Try unplugging electronic items that display lights or a clock to help reduce energy costs.

Reverse the Direction of Your Ceiling Fan

Are you aware that most fans include a switch that lets the fan spin in the opposite direction? Spring and summer are the best seasons to reverse the direction of the ceiling fan to reduce bills by 10%. Also, the wind-chill effect that the fan creates cools a residence in addition to preserving electricity.

Landscaping

A top energy saving seasonal tip for spring is focusing on strategical landscaping. Use your plants for shade! Placing trees and shrubs in vital areas around your home or office has the potential to save approximately 25% on heating and cooling usage. We advise placing desired plants to shade the west and east-facing windows. It is important to note to not plant anything by power lines.

Kirby Electric is a Premier Electrical Contractor Serving the Greater Seattle Area

As Seattle’s premier electric company, Kirby Electric specializes in commercial and industrial lighting. We provide top electrical services that best fit your building’s needs and present energy management solutions. Such solutions provide economically and environmentally beneficial services. Contact us today and request a quote at (253) 859-2000 or online here to learn more about our services.

 

20 Jan 2017

Energy Saving Solutions for Commercial Buildings

It is no secret that energy bills for commercial buildings can run rather high. Moreover, businesses may find it rather difficult to find efficient solutions to reduce them. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, 20% of the energy consumed nationwide is from commercial buildings. Explore our blog for the top 4 energy saving solutions to help your commercial building reduce energy bills today.

Incorporate Efficient Lighting

One of the easiest and economical ways to reduce energy bills is installing energy efficient lighting solutions. LED technologies continue to improve and advance, which makes energy solutions vaster than ever before. Options include re-lamping, retrofitting, incorporating replacement products, and more for commercial buildings to accomplish substantial savings through efficient lighting.

Implement Reduction Strategies

Two main ways to save money on energy bills are:

  1. Figuring out how to pay for less energy = supply side savings
  2. Figuring out how to use less energy = demand side savings

Shifting energy usage habits will provide great results. Meaning, reducing top demand with more energy efficient lighting, pumps and vital strategic solutions will aide in energy bill savings. The lower the top demand and/or capacity, the less you pay for power.

Energy Usage Analysis

In order to figure out how a commercial building consumes energy, it is imperative to understand the power usage patterns. Understanding where and how energy is consumed can result in reduced energy costs and consumption overall.

Energy Products

Nowadays, one top trend for businesses is to meet sustainability initiatives. For example, implementing wind technology or solar panels are great technologies that reduce energy usage and will help businesses become less dependent on utility companies. For inside, LED light bulbs (light emitting diode) for lamps and other utilities that require light bulbs are beneficial for energy efficiency as well. In comparison, incandescent bulbs cost approximately 5-10 times the initial price of the bulb alone. LED light bulbs will last up to 10 times as long as compact fluorescents and the cost of the bulbs. Overall, smart energy products are efficient ones.

About Kirby Electric

Kirby Electric, Inc. is a premier electrical contractor specializing in commercial and industrial electrical construction. Our dedicated and knowledgeable team of electricians, low voltage technicians and office staff are led by senior leadership whose core philosophy is consistently delivering exceptional service. Kirby Electric offers a wide array of services to meet the needs of our customers and ensure a smooth operation of their facilities. Learn more about our services by calling 253-859-2000.