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As summer has rolled around and days are slowly but surely warming up, your business premises will be too. With this comes a greater demand for air conditioning. Especially in work places where lots of people are working together in a small space. Offices tend to be the biggest culprits when it comes to A/C use, with unlimited access to the controls, individuals will play around with the settings to ensure the temperature is just right for them. However, with consistent use of an air conditioner and HVAC system comes a rise in energy consumption and as a result your business energy bills. In this article we explain how your business’ HVAC system can be optimised to ensure summer energy efficiency and cost savings.   The Importance Of HVAC Servicing & Maintenance One of the most practical things you can do to optimise your HVAC system is to carry out regular servicing and maintenance work. Having qualified engineers review the functioning of your system to complete necessary maintenance work to ensure a quality system will help to reduce expensive breakdowns and your energy consumption. A good system will not require much power in order to run each day, but when your HVAC begins to age or fail, more energy is required to power the system. We suggest having your system serviced at least once per year to check its performance and to ensure any errors in the system are corrected.   Maintain A Regular Temperature In Your Workplace A good way to ensure your HVAC system runs efficiently and isn’t consuming excessive power, is to maintain a regular temperature. While it may be tempting to adjust the settings throughout the day, switching between a blast of cold air after a long walk to the office, to turning up the heat when the office becomes cool again in the evening, this is not the most energy efficient way to operate. Consuming large amounts of energy in order to switch between settings will cause an increase in your business energy bills. It is far more practical, cost-effective and environmentally friendly to stick to a regular, comfortable working temperature throughout the day.   Check For Visible Signs Of Wear & Tear It’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your HVAC system, particularly throughout the summer season when the air conditioning will be used more frequently. Be sure to check for any visible signs of damage or broken parts. This could include: Gaps in seals Error lights or messages on your system settings Loose parts Poor airflow As well as these signs, many people will notice sounds first. From banging to clanging, squeaking and squealing, a HVAC system that is making a lot of loud noises is likely not in good condition and needs immediate attention from a qualified technician or to be replaced.   Review The Age Of Your System While an older HVAC system can continue to function well, the system should be replaced every 10-20 years to ensure qualified performance. If your HVAC system is becoming dated, it may be time to replace it entirely. However, if you do not have the budget to do this, you could also contact a HVAC technician who may be able to provide replacement parts and offer a service that will optimise your system for a few more years.   To Conclude… While we hope that the sun makes an appearance at some point this year, it is important to consider the use of your HVAC system on hot days. Managing and reducing your energy consumption as much as possible in order to keep your business energy bills low. High business energy bills during the summer months are almost always attributed to the overconsumption of energy from an HVAC system. So, with these tips and tricks, you can manage your energy usage and optimise your system to ensure this summer you are not overspending on energy. For more energy saving tips, check out our blog, and for a free quote, simply get in touch with our team.

Business energy bills are a guaranteed cost for a business of any kind. Even the smallest sole trader businesses will have to pay the expense of lighting, electricity supply for technology and other things such as heating and air conditioning. Since this is a cost that every business has to contend with, there are many different solutions for businesses who want to reduce their costs to improve business cash flow. In this latest blog we review the many business upgrades that you can carry out to your business premises, be it an office, work site, or somewhere else, to help reduce your electricity usage and cut down spending on your electricity bills. Upgrades you can make to your business premises In order to ensure that your business is as energy efficient as possible and your energy bills are kept as low as possible, you can make the following upgrades and adjustments to your building: Invest in new insulation – if you’re not aware of how long your business has had insulation, be it in the roof or the walls, it may be time to upgrade. Signs of old insulation include: Draughty rooms Higher energy bills than usual Inconsistencies in room temperature Trouble with condensation and mould These signs are a sure sign that your insulation solutions have aged and it is time to upgrade. With a range of insulation materials and options you can choose to insulate your business premises according to your budget. Certain materials such as fibre glass are some of the cheapest to purchase and install. However, it is important to always consult an expert to ensure your insulation is fitted correctly and safely. What’s more, according to the Carbon Trust, an uninsulated office building will lose 60% of heat waste through the structure of the building.   Either through the walls, loft, windows, or floors. Investing in quality insulation will save your business from losing hundreds of pounds worth of heating, whilst also creating a much more comfortable and sustainable environment for your employees and teams. Upgrade lighting systems – With around 20% of energy costs coming from the use of lighting, both in business and domestic scenarios, it becomes important to know how much your energy bills are impacted by your lighting choice.   As one of the most energy efficient lighting options, LED light bulbs are highly recommended to businesses looking to cut costs. While the initial cost to fit these lightbulbs throughout a business premise, particularly an office, will require a larger budget than usual for bulbs, the long term cost savings make this worthwhile. LED lighting offers a longer lasting, brighter and safer solution for business use whilst also being the most eco-friendly option of them all! Install solar panels – have you ever wondered how renewable energy could benefit your business? Solar panels are an accessible option for businesses looking to invest into renewable energy sources and reduce their carbon footprint. Solar panels can be installed to a range of buildings and will help cut the costs of your electricity bill by sourcing energy from the sun rather than traditional means. It is however, important to invest in a quality solar panel system that will be capable of providing the very best results. Install first time central heating system – in older buildings, particularly older office buildings, central heating may never have been installed. Central heating is one of the most efficient and cost effective ways to heat a home without having to rely on the use of single electric room heaters or other alternative energy sources. While central heating is a costly investment it will certainly provide many benefits and not just to the cost of your electricity but it will also help to improve the comfort of your working environment. Making the heating of rooms much more manageable. Get help and support for your business While current energy rates are not as high as they were in the midst of the energy crisis, there are still many businesses in the UK struggling to make ends meet. In order to protect these businesses and keep them afloat, there are a number of support avenues that are still available to utilise. From financial support from the government to charities and your own energy supplier. Finding the help you need can make a huge difference, and take some weight off your shoulders as you continue to run and grow your business. The UK government currently has a business support service which is available to contact for free advice in England. They can be contacted in a number of ways: [email protected] Telephone: 0800 998 1098 Webchat There is also a wide range of financial support available across the nation, with different services provided in different regions and counties. Click here to find a suitable funding scheme for your business. A great example of this is the SME Energy Efficiency Scheme (SMEES) for small businesses located in Tees Valley to improve their energy efficiency. Support from your energy supplier. If you are struggling to cover the cost of your business energy bills, it is important that you let your supplier know. At D-ENERGi we support a wide range of businesses with their business energy supply and are on hand to provide you with help and guidance to ensure you do not get stuck or caught out by an unexpected bill. Simply get in touch with our friendly team for more information or get a quick quote by filling out a short online form.

When it comes to saving your business money, it’s all about making smart choices. Decisions that will focus on saving you pennies and allowing you to reap the rewards in the long term. When it comes to something like business energy costs, which are a difficult thing to predict, it pays to have some smart strategies in place.   1. Conduct an Energy Audit An energy audit is a thorough examination of your business’s energy usage and potential areas for improvement. This can be done by hiring a professional or using online tools. By conducting an energy audit, you can identify areas where you may be wasting energy and make smarter decisions to save yourself money. Whether you choose to invest in upgrades to your business premises, or choose to remove certain energy-draining devices that  are no longer needed, by following the recommendations of the energy audit, you will notice gradual savings overtime.   2. Embrace Energy Efficient Technology As technology continues to advance, businesses now have access to a variety of energy-efficient options. From energy-saving light bulbs and smart thermostats to solar panels and renewable energy sources, there are plenty of options for businesses looking to reduce their energy costs. Investing in these technologies may require an initial upfront cost, but the long -term savings will make it worth your while. Additionally, implementing energy-efficient technology can also improve your business’s overall sustainability and promote a positive image to customers.   3. Educate Your Employees One of the most overlooked strategies for reducing energy costs is educating employees on ways they can help save energy in the workplace. Simple actions like turning off lights and electronics when not in use, using natural light whenever possible, and keeping doors and windows closed can make a significant difference in energy consumption. By educating your employees on the importance of energy conservation, you are not only reducing costs for your business but also promoting a culture of sustainability within your company.   4. Consider Time-of-Use Pricing Many energy providers offer time-of-use pricing , where the cost of energy fluctuates based on the time of day. By shifting your business’s energy usage to off-peak hours, you can take advantage of lower rates and save money on your overall energy costs. This strategy requires some planning and coordination, but it can result in significant savings for businesses that rely heavily on electricity.   5. Explore Renewable Energy Options Rather than sticking to the traditional sources of energy, considering options such as wind or solar power, is a smart and future-proof way of saving money.  Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly accessible and affordable, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to reduce their energy costs. Not only will this be a cost-saving measure in the long run, but it also promotes environmental sustainability.   6. Implement Energy Management Systems Energy management systems (EMS) allow businesses to monitor and control their energy usage in real-time. These systems can track energy consumption and provide data that can help identify areas for improvement. By analysing this data, businesses can make informed decisions about their energy usage and implement strategies to reduce costs. Additionally, EMS can also provide alerts for any potential issues with energy usage, allowing businesses to address them promptly. In conclusion, managing energy costs requires a combination of smart strategies and constant monitoring of energy usage. By conducting an energy audit, embracing energy-efficient technology, educating employees, considering time-of-use pricing, exploring renewable energy options and implementing energy management systems, businesses can effectively reduce their energy costs and contribute to a more sustainable future. So why not start implementing these strategies in your business today? If you would like to know more energy-saving tips, please visit our blog. Speak to our friendly experts to get the best business energy rates and start saving on your energy costs today.

Care homes are some of the biggest energy consumers within the service industry. Providing round the clock care and residential assistance to live-in residents. The facilities required to run a care home must be in use at all times, making it difficult for management and staff to cut down on energy consumption and reduce their energy bills. However, despite the great need for several electrical appliances and equipment, there are ways that care facilities and residential homes can save energy. In this blog we will offer some energy-saving advice that are easily applied into the everyday running of a care home in order to improve energy efficiency.   Why it is important to save energy in the care homes The care sector is one that is often left under-funded by the government and will regularly rely on additional support from sponsors and charitable organisations and individuals to stay up and running. With energy costs being some of the biggest expenses that care homes must cover, attempting to reduce energy consumption is a good way to save money and put this extra money into the support and care of residents. Overall offering a better care service. Not only this but by cutting energy consumption, the care home can work towards achieving net zero emissions, helping the environment and working alongside the government towards their emissions reduction across the country.   How to save energy when running a care home  Although small changes can be made, such as turning off appliances that are not in use and encouraging positive energy efficient practices around the care home, in the long-term investment is necessary to improve the efficiency of the building. In many cases, care homes are run from within old and often dated buildings that will not have modern eco-friendly solutions installed. Below are some energy-saving advice these buildings, despite their age, can be modernised to improve energy efficiency and save money on their energy bills: Review the building’s insulation – proper building insulation is key to keeping a building energy efficient. Where an older building may have a lack of insulation, it is more than likely that heat is being lost and more energy is being used to maintain a regular temperature within the care home. Upgrade the lighting to LED lighting and consider motion-sensor lighting for less-frequented rooms. LED lighting is the most energy efficient and simply upgrading the current, outdated lights, to LEDs will have a significant impact on the cost of electricity. Motion-sensor lighting is another good way to cut down on the use of electricity, when not necessary. This is particularly great in care homes since elderly residents may forget to turn off their lights at night or when exiting a room. Ensure heat is not being lost through old windows. Double or even triple glazing will help in preventing any heat loss from windows, particularly in cold winter months. Not only is this important for energy consumption but in general for the comfort of residents.   Switching business energy suppliers to D-ENERGi to reduce energy bills  In order to keep energy costs down and invest money back into the care home, switching business energy suppliers may be the best solution. At D-ENERGi we support micro-businesses and small UK businesses with the best business energy rates. Switching business energy suppliers to D-ENERGi is easy and hassle-free. Our dedicated account managers will handle all the paperwork for you and will be with you every step of the way. Talk to our energy experts today to find out more about how much your business could save on your energy bills.

Now that Spring is officially here, we’re anticipating at least some sunnier days on the horizon. And while much of your energy costs will be higher in winter, it is always a good idea to plan for the next few months ahead and take the necessary steps to prepare your business for any changes that may occur due to a shift in the season and the weather.   The importance of energy efficiency in summer With the push for greener business practices throughout the UK by the government and environmentalists, energy efficiency can be practised year round. With several practices being especially applicable during the summer months. This summer, keep your carbon emissions low and continue on your journey to net zero emissions with our top tips and best practices.   Assess current energy usage Leaving the winter months behind and awaiting the warmth of summer, the next few months provide the ideal opportunity to review and evaluate your current energy usage. Looking for ways to cut your energy costs and identify areas of your business that require improvement.   The importance of understanding your current energy consumption Staying in the know and being on top of your business energy bills provides you with greater insight into what you are paying and why. Leaving the high consuming energy periods of autumn and winter in the past, you should take a look over your most recent energy bills and assess where and when you have spent the most money and why. Perhaps there was a peak in your energy consumption during a particular month or you have debt with your supplier that you will now need to settle.   Tips on how to conduct an energy audit for your business One of the best ways to understand how your business uses energy is to conduct an energy audit. We recently wrote an article explaining in detail what an energy audit is and the best way to conduct one. This article can be found here. However here are some simple tips on conducting an energy audit for your business:   Understand Your Energy Bills Assess Building Systems and Equipment Use Energy Monitoring Tools Conduct a Building Envelope Assessment Review Operating Schedules   Highlighting the benefits of identifying areas for improvement Finding areas of your business that are consuming high levels of energy or require improvements offers you the perfect place to start to ensure your business is ready for the summer months and is adhering to your new energy audit recommendations by the time winter inevitably arrives once more. This first step is the perfect stepping stone to provide you with the information you need to ensure your business is running efficiently and saving on energy costs this summer.   Upgrade to energy-efficient equipment For those areas of improvements highlighted in your business energy audit, you should consider upgrading your equipment, machinery and business tools to energy-efficient alternatives where possible. While this may be a big investment for your business, there is support available from the UK government and tax incentives that may make such changes to your business more affordable. We suggest that you search the GOV.UK site for more information about schemes, relief and taxes for the support of businesses going green. An area to focus on during summer in particular would be your HVAC system. Providing cool air in summer and during warm days, the HVAC system should be well maintained and monitored to ensure it is running smoothly and is not consuming excessive amounts of energy.   Implement smart energy management practices Much like the winter months it’s just as important to implement and encourage proper smart energy management practices within your business. From the top to the bottom, every member of your team should be aware of the business’ goals for cutting carbon emissions and the areas in which they should be applying energy efficient practices. From keeping the working environment at a consistent temperature, especially on hot summer days, to turning off lights and reducing the use of energy draining equipment. Those in charge of the maintenance of equipment should certainly have particular systems serviced before summer. Including air conditioning units, refrigeration systems and water pumps.   Harness renewable energy sources Summer may be the perfect time for you to switch to renewable energy sources. Allowing you time to adjust to this change and cover the cost of any investment before winter rolls around. From solar panels to accessing wind energy and geothermal systems, there’s several options for a variety of businesses in different industries. Offering excellent cost savings and the chance to improve the energy efficiency of your business. Plus, such a decision may allow you access to relief from certain green taxes implemented by the government.   At D-ENERGi we supply all our electricity via D-ENERGi Trading from UK based wind farms. Supplying 100% renewable electricity to our business energy customers. Also supplying the best and competitive price for business electricity, with tailored solution that suits your business needs. Making us unique within the business energy sector and a perfect alternative to the big energy suppliers in the UK. Find out more about switching today with a free quote from us or contact us on 0800 781 7626.

Tracking your business energy usage offers numerous advantages that can greatly benefit your operations. It helps you understand how much energy your business consumes over a period of time, understand your energy bills, identify potential areas of inefficiency, and explore opportunities to reduce your energy costs. Tracking your energy usage doesn’t have to be complicated or confusing. It can be a straightforward process.   Understanding what your energy bills mean One of the ways you can understand how much energy you use in your business is to gain a better understanding of your energy bills. Whether these fall through the post box or ping as an alert on your phone, energy bills are easy to access and can quickly be explained. There are several pieces of information provided on a typical energy bill. This includes how much money you owe your energy supplier but also details of how much energy you have used over a period of time. Typically this will be over the past 3 months (if sent quarterly). However, some business energy suppliers can provide more regular bills, if necessary. Your usage will be explained using the meter readings or estimated meter readings your business energy supplier has access to. Providing regular meter readings will ensure your bill is precise and accurate, guaranteeing you are only paying for your actual energy usage. Understanding your usage from your energy bills will help you better acknowledge just how much your usage influences the prices you pay for electricity and gas. More on how to read an energy bill can be found here.   Tracking your energy usage with a smart meter Another method for tracking your usage is to install a smart meter for your business. Providing real-time details of your usage, giving you insight into how each running appliance or electrical good impacts your consumption is incredibly useful. Opting to have a smart meter installed allows you to pay much closer attention to your energy consumption and see just how much this is going to cost you. Plus, information from your smart meter will be supplied directly to your business energy supplier, making it easier to keep meter readings as accurate as possible.   Reduce your energy costs Keeping track of your business energy usage is one of the most effective ways to manage the costs of your energy. Having a greater understanding of how much energy your business uses, gives insight into what is costing you the most and allows you to make proactive decisions in order to lower your energy consumption. Which, in turn, will help to reduce your energy bills.   Improve your sustainability Tracking your business energy usage is the first step to improving your sustainability. By understanding where and how your energy is being used, you can identify areas where you can make changes to reduce your consumption. Which, as we mentioned above, can lead to lower energy bills, but also a smaller carbon footprint, and a more sustainable business overall. You can promote the amount of energy saved to boost your brand.   Struggling to understand your energy usage? If you are struggling to understand your business energy usage and need assistance in understand your energy bills, do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly energy expert. We can decipher your energy bill for you, explain your energy consumption, implement cost-efficient practices that can help reduce your energy usage, and provide advice on how to lower your energy bills. To get started, simply reach out to us today. Our business energy quote only requires you to provide a few details about your business, we will promptly provide you a tailored quote that suits your business needs.