Quick Tips on Energy Savings in 2022 and Beyond From Facilities Maintenance Experts
Energy security is on the minds of many business owners in the UK. As winter approaches, the wise will brace for rising energy prices and the knock-on effect this will have on the nation. Power cuts have been posited as a worst-case scenario – and particularly small businesses have experienced acute effects including large upfront payments demanded by some energy companies. The statistics make this very real – with firms experiencing a 424% increase in gas prices and a 349% increase in electricity prices since February 2021 according to The Guardian.
With this in mind, a collective focus on efficiency both at home and abroad in Europe has the potential to prevent costly downtime, lost profits, and burgeoning operational overheads.
WHY ARE ENERGY BILLS SO HIGH?
The cause of rising energy prices cannot be restricted to a single source. Issues around supply and demand following the COVID-19 pandemic have been compounded by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With several European nations cut off from their regular Russian gas supply, many countries are scrambling to ensure supply over the winter months.
40% of the UK’s gas supply is sourced domestically in the North Sea, but most of our country’s gas is imported. This means pressure on supplies in Europe will affect supply in the UK. Additionally, logistical issues arising from the drought in Germany and technical problems in France are but a couple of the European problems that affect UK energy.
BUILDING A BUFFER AGAINST THE ENERGY CRISIS: HOW TO REDUCE ENERGY USAGE
Don’t Leave Equipment On Overnight
It has been reported that 45% of businesses leave machinery on overnight. Even in standby mode, this equipment is an invisible electricity drain and cost source for business owners.
Ensure Equipment Is Well-Maintained
When operational costs rise, maintenance is often the first cut in the name of cost saving. Business owners are encouraged to work with FM professionals to devise an optimal maintenance schedule and to stick with it into the long term. This ensures machinery is working as efficiently as possible today – and can avoid expensive machinery-related costs in the future. For example, a well-maintained air-conditioning system reduces energy consumption by 5 to 30%, while poor maintenance can increase it by 30-60%.
Get Professional Help For Renewals
Experts predict that businesses who fixed prices in 2020 are looking at up to a fivefold increase on their energy bills on renewal. Talking to energy specialists could yield invaluable insight on the best route forward.
An Expert View On Facilities
An FM specialist is able to advise on everything from the heat of boilers to the sweet spot on lighting and ventilation – all of which has a bearing on your business’s energy consumption. Energy should be viewed holistically within the built environment. At Voltix Services, our energy offering helps you to understand your usage, identify where you can save, and make meaningful and attainable changes for enhanced efficiencies and savings.
POWER THROUGH RISING PRICES. CONTACT VOLTIX SERVICES TODAY
Your first defence against rising energy prices is a reliable facilities maintenance partner. At Voltix Services, our range of energy services are geared to help businesses future-proof their power strategies. From metering to energy-efficient infrastructure and smart technologies, our team has the tools and expertise to tailor services to the unique features of your operations. Read more about our energy services on our website or get in touch for more information.