10 Ways to Reduce Your Energy Costs and Usage
Whether it’s electricity, water, or gas, there are always ways to reduce your usage, and some of them are simple, while others may seem small but can add up to big savings over time.
1 – LED Lighting
LED lighting is a straightforward way to cut energy use. Compared to traditional bulbs, LEDs use up to 75% less energy because they require less current and produce less waste heat.
2 – Motion Sensors
Combining LED lighting with motion sensors is another excellent energy-saving strategy. Motion sensors work especially well in walkways, restrooms, and storerooms, ensuring lights are only on when needed. Studies show that motion sensors can reduce lighting energy use by around 30%, and in some cases even more.
3 – Push Taps
Push taps (or self-closing taps) are a great water-saving solution. Traditional taps can use 12 litres/day per person, while push taps can cut this to 6 litres/day, a 50% water saving! This also avoids the problem of taps being left dripping or running.
4 – Process Optimisation
Reevaluating your operational processes can save significant energy and improve productivity:
- Can you stagger shifts to run during off-peak hours?
- Are all machines running continuously needed?
- Could the layout improve workflow?
General process optimisation can lead to 15% savings, while more in-depth strategies (like energy audits and smart monitoring) can boost savings up to 30%.
5 – Machine Layout
Did you know you can reduce heating needs by smartly arranging machinery? Temperature mapping can reveal hot and cold spots. Repositioning heat-generating machines in winter can help cut gas usage by nearly 50%.
6 – Smart Plugs
Smart plugs automate switching off devices at the end of the day, stopping unnecessary energy use. This simple step can save up to 15% of your energy use for the connected devices.
7 – Turn Off Standby (Vampire Energy)
Standby or “phantom” energy use, like idle machines, TVs, and screens, can account for up to 10% of total energy use. Powering these off properly (manually or with smart plugs) will make a real difference.
8 – Improved Insulation
Upgrading insulation walls, windows, doors, and roofs can slash heating costs by up to 20%. Pair this with optimised machine layout (as in point 5) and you can see big cuts in gas or electric heating bills.
9 – Regular Machine and Compressor Maintenance
Machinery and compressed air systems are major energy users, and leaks or poor lubrication can make them much worse.
- Proper maintenance can improve energy efficiency by up to 30%.
- Compressor leaks alone can waste up to 30% of compressed air energy!
10 – Remote Monitoring Systems
Remote monitoring systems, like OpenSmartMonitor, give you real-time data on electricity, water, and gas usage. This makes it easy to:
- Spot inefficiencies
- Schedule predictive maintenance
- Detect water and gas leaks
Remote monitoring can cut energy use by 30% or more, and can lead to even bigger savings if combined with smart maintenance strategies.
