Four steps to happier customers and lower energy bills 

Energy-efficiency upgrades can reduce your operating costs. The right upgrades can also make your business environment more comfortable, encouraging customers to stay longer and spend more money.

Reducing your energy costs can also help improve your profitability. The following measures can help improve customer experience and save energy, creating a win-win situation for your business.

1. Set the right temperature
Remember that customers typically enter your facility dressed for the season. If it’s too hot or too cold, they may feel uncomfortable and leave sooner. You’ll be wasting HVAC system energy costs while losing business at the same time.
Adjust the thermostat to ensure comfort and save energy. A programmable thermostat is a low-cost upgrade that automatically adjusts temperatures based on your business hours. Newer connected or smart models provide advanced features, such as remote control and self-programming.

2. Keep the air flowing
Fresh moving air improves your indoor environment, and it can save energy, too. Replace air filters regularly to improve HVAC efficiency and keep the air cleaner. Make sure vents are uncovered by furniture or equipment to keep the air flowing throughout your space.
Use ceiling fans to move cool air down into your customer space to reduce the load on your air conditioning system. In winter, reverse the fans to keep warm air flowing down.
Some HVAC systems can be equipped with carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors that regulate the fresh air intake based on the amount of people in the space. It provides the optimal amount of fresh air without overworking your HVAC system heating or cooling that air.

3. Check leaks/insulation
Drafty windows and doors not only waste energy, they can make the comfort of your space uneven. Check for gaps around windows and exterior doors and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
Poor insulation can also create an uncomfortable indoor environment that can cause you to lose customer and energy dollars. Hire a qualified contractor to make sure you have right insulation levels for your climate zone.

4. Shine a better light
Light quality and tone can have a big impact on customer experience. Fluorescent lamps emit a cool white light that can be too harsh for many customer spaces, while incandescent lights waste a lot of energy. LEDs are not only highly efficient, but they provide high-quality light that comes in a variety of color tones.
By upgrading to LEDs, you’ll not only reduce your energy costs, you’ll also have the opportunity to design a better visual experience for your customers and set the right lighting atmosphere for your space.
By implementing these measures, you’ll spend less on your energy bills and create a better indoor environment that will encourage customers to spend more time and money in your business.