Paying the utility bills is part of running a business.
But every dollar spent on a bill is a dollar taken from your pocket.
Although you can’t change the cost of most of your bills, you have some control over your pharmacy’s utility bills.
Right now you can start putting those dollars back into your pocket with some simple strategies.
Here are 20 tips to lower your pharmacy’s utility bills.
1. Get an energy audit
Hire a professional to do an audit of your building for energy efficiency. The energy audit professional can catch inefficiencies you may otherwise miss. Spend a little now and save more every month on your energy bill.
2. Train your employees
Your employees’ behavior significantly affects your pharmacy’s utility bills. Train them in the importance of energy conservation and teach them good conservation habits. Make energy saving an important part of your pharmacy’s culture by rewarding employees for good practices.
3. Use energy-efficient light bulbs
Outdated or inefficient light bulbs drain energy fast. Light bulbs with advanced technology, like CFL and LED lights, consume significantly less power and offer much longer lifespans. The initial price tag is higher, but the money you save by conserving energy will make up for it.
4. Invest in a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat enhances efficiency by customizing when the air runs. You can set different temperatures for off-hours, like evenings and weekends, which will reduce use during those hours and save you money over time.
5. Use energy-saver modes on electronics
Most modern electronics and appliances come with an energy-saving setting. Usually that entails lighter performance and higher energy conservation, such as a lower brightness on your computer screen.
6. Turn the lights off
This may be an obvious one, but people commonly leave lights on in a room they’ll be returning to shortly. No matter how long you’ll be away from a room, always turn the lights off. And, for rooms that aren’t continuously used, like the employee bathroom, keep the lights off until in use.
7. Unplug equipment
Most equipment continues to drain power when it’s plugged in—even if it’s not being used. Toasters, coffee machines, printers and microwaves are common culprits. Make sure to unplug all equipment not in use.
8. Use natural light
Use natural daylight instead of powered lighting. While this may only be possible during specific times of the day and in specific areas of your pharmacy, like the break room, it will make a difference on your pharmacy’s utility bills over time.
9. Adjust the thermostat
If you don’t use a programmable thermostat, make sure you manually adjust it to maximize efficiency. Assign an employee to monitor it and adjust as needed, including changes for evenings and weekends.
10. Fix air leaks
Many buildings suffer from air leaks and drafts that go unnoticed. They can continue to increase heating and cooling costs year after year. Make sure to properly seal every opening in your building that connects to the outside, like windows and doors.
11. Replace filters
Clogged air filters force your system to work harder and can eventually cause long-term damage. Check them every few months to see if they need to be replaced.
12. Close outside doors
Whenever a door opens, inside air escapes and outside air rushes in. Leaving a door ajar frequently or for a prolonged period causes your system to expend energy to counteract the outside air, causing a surge in your energy bill. So, keep those doors closed.
13. Don’t cover vents
Furniture commonly covers air vents, which forces the air to work much harder to circulate through your space. Arrange your furniture and equipment to keep the vents exposed.
14. Seek discounts from your provider
Some utility providers offer incentives for using energy-efficient equipment. If your pharmacy uses any, ask your utility provider if you qualify for a discount on your bill.
15. Use motion detectors
Motion detectors conserve energy by ensuring lights are only turned on when needed. When someone leaves a room, they automatically turn off. You won’t have to worry about your employees forgetting to turn off lights.
16. Install water-efficient systems
Toilets and sinks in your bathroom use more water than they need, and it’s costing you. Invest in low-flow faucets, low-flow toilets, and high-efficiency urinals to save money on your water bill.
17. Use energy-efficient equipment and appliances
Whenever possible, upgrade old appliances and equipment to new, energy-efficient models, from low-cost items like printers and bathroom fans to high-cost items like a water heater and HVAC system. That higher upfront cost will save you money in the long run.
18. Re-insulate your building
Check the insulation in your building to see if it needs improvement. The worse your insulation, the higher your utility bill. Also, use window shades as a layer of insulation for the glass. Direct sunlight heats up a room in a heartbeat.
19. Maintain equipment
The more equipment gets used, the less efficient it becomes. Keep the equipment tuned-up for the course of its life. Read the product manual to follow proper maintenance practices.
20. Plant trees
Trees can serve a dual function of shading your building from harsh sunlight and blocking cold wind, both of which help keep a steady temperature in your building. If you’re able to plant trees on your lot, place them where the sun beams hottest during the early afternoon.
With these simple ways to save energy, you’ll save money on your pharmacy’s utility bills.
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