Energy saving tips
Last week Scottish Power announced that it is to raise the cost of gas by 19% and the cost of electricity by 10%. Now many feel there is the expectation that other power suppliers are likely to follow suit.
The newest price hike by Scottish Power means that households on a dual fuel tariff paying monthly by direct debit will see their bills increase by an average of £175 a year.
Now more than ever, it’s imperative that small businesses, such as, convenience stores and impulse retailers, keep control of their energy use to help combat rising costs.
There are a number of ways than newsagents and convenience stores can help to avoid the surge in energy costs. Energy Star provides a number of no-cost recommendations, which c-store owners can implement to help combat rising costs.
- Check your fridges: Ensuring that your refrigerated units run properly can significantly lower your energy costs.
- Keep doors shut: repeated fluctuations in temperature will damage food quality and cost money
- Check temperature settings: if settings are lower than necessary, you could be wasting energy. The most common recommended settings are freezers:
between -14°F and -8°; refrigerator between 35°F and 38°F
- Clean cooling coils: dirt accumulation impairs proper heat transfer and lowers the efficiency and capacity of refrigerators
- Check door seals: tight seals and properly closing doors prevent warm air from entering the unit, which reduces cooling energy and prevents frost buildup. If you can easily slide a £5 note into the seal, it needs adjusting
- Maintain equipment: keep evaporator coils clean and free of ice build-up and ensure the equipment is serviced regularly.
What energy saving measures have saved you money in your small business or store?
Image provided by Chill Insurance blog
