4 Myths About Business Energy Efficiency

Smart businesses are always looking for ways to cut costs, and taking steps to be more energy efficient has compounding results that do exactly that. However, when it comes to business energy efficiency, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. There are plenty of myths out there about business electricity and energy use that lead many business owners to believe they are becoming more energy efficient when, in fact, they are not. Here are four myths about business energy efficiency that just aren’t true:

Myth 1: Business energy efficiency only makes sense for huge corporations.

We’ve all seen stories in the news about huge conglomerates, like Apple and Google, who can afford to spend millions building giant campuses that run entirely on renewable energy sources. Business energy efficiency doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and businesses of all shapes and sizes can take steps to become more energy efficient. A study has found that reducing energy costs by just 10 percent can boost the average supermarket’s net profit margin by up to 16 percent. Simple things like investing in energy-efficient appliances and equipment and ensuring employees follow mindful energy conservation practices can go a long way toward making your business more energy efficient.

Myth 2: Leaving computers on increases their lifespan and uses less energy.

You may have heard that if you leave your computer and monitor running continuously, they will last longer and consume less energy. In fact, just the opposite is true. Turning off computer equipment when it’s not in use will not do anything to shorten its lifespan, and the tiny power surge that happens when you turn some computers on is far smaller than the amount of energy consumed by the computer when you’re not using it. Leaving computer equipment on for extended periods of time not only wastes energy (and money), but also adds to the wear and tear on the machine, which can actually reduce its lifespan.

Myth 3: A building management system (BMS) can replace real-time energy monitoring.

A building management system (BMS) is a computer-based system that controls a building’s lighting, power systems, ventilation, security systems, and more. While a BMS can help with controlling business electricity use (for example, they can be programmed to shut off a building’s lights at a certain time), they don’t do much to allow business owners to monitor energy consumption. Plus, when a BMS is configured incorrectly, it can actually use more energy than it helps save, accounting for up to 20 percent of a building’s energy use.

Myth 4: Surge protectors reduce business energy use.

Many business owners believe installing surge protectors can help reduce business electricity usage. While some surge-protector manufacturers still advertise that their products can reduce energy use, the truth is that these claims were debunked some time ago. In fact, even if there was a way for surge protectors to conserve energy, there wouldn’t be much opportunity for them to do so since surge protectors only become active when a high voltage power spike occurs. Surge protectors may help protect your equipment from those power spikes, but they won’t do much to improve your business energy efficiency. With all the misinformation out there about business energy efficiency, it’s important to work with an expert advisor and trusted energy partner like IGS Energy. To learn more about how IGS Energy can help with your business energy needs, contact us today.

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