With winter in full swing, many restaurants are looking for new and creative ways to save money on energy expenses.
Your heating bills will increase with additional outdoor dining spaces, but the good new is, you can still cut your costs this season!
1. Conduct an energy audit
At any time of year, an energy audit can help you identify places where you might be using too much energy, allowing you to cut back on your expenses.
An effective energy audit will take a look at all the details of your restaurants, including:
Light bulbs. This time of year, you may need to turn on the lights more often, which makes energy-efficient bulbs more critical than ever.
The thermostat. Are you dropping your thermostat when there isn’t anyone in the restaurant? What about your overall temperature: are you keeping it too high? A difference of even a couple of degrees might not be noticed by your customers, but it can make a big difference to your energy bills. Energy vampires. An energy audit will take a look at potential sources of energy loss when you aren’t actively using electronics, including electronics that stay plugged in at all times of the year.
2. Get your staff on board
Let your staff know that you’re taking steps to save energy and decrease expenses this winter. Then, institute important policies that will allow you to reduce energy expenses.
Try:
Closing fridge and freezer doors quickly, rather than leaving them open. Keeping outside doors closed unless necessary to keep the inside temperature stable. Using the right tools for each cooking task: using too large a pan, for example, can require more energy to keep it heated.
3. Take care of repairs early
With winter creeping in, it’s a great time to take care of important repairs throughout your restaurant. Take a look at:
Your entryways and windows. Make sure there are no cracks and that no air escapes, leading to a steady drain on your energy. Your HVAC unit. Keeping it functioning at peak efficiency will help decrease your energy costs. Your pipes. If you have leaks, especially hot water leaks, now is the time to take care of them.
Saving energy during the winter months can be difficult, but we can help. Contact us today to learn more about the energy-saving measures available for your restaurant.
