Business energy & water tips

Improve your business’ bottom line with these energy and water tips that can save you money when the temperatures rise. 

Energy tips

1. Maintain your system. Even though your air conditioning system is blowing cold air that does not mean it's working at its best. Schedule a yearly tune-up to include filter changes, refrigerant level checks and general condition review. The inside and outside coils should be cleaned. If your outside unit is on the ground, leaves, grass clippings and dust can accumulate and prevent proper air flow. If your outside unit is on the roof, it may also need cleaning. This is particularly true if there is a grease exhaust from a restaurant nearby.
2. Set the thermostat. In summer, set your temperature to 78°F.  Strategically located fans can also help with comfort when air conditioning temperatures are set higher. When the building is unoccupied you can go even higher to 80°F or more. Installing smart thermostats can make it easy to adjust temperatures and many have additional energy-saving features.
3. Use window shades. You can prevent sunlight from entering your business and increasing the heat load on your air conditioning by closing blinds or curtains on windows in direct sunlight.
4. Turn off unnecessary lights. Take advantage of natural lighting by opening blinds or curtains not in direct sunlight. Motion sensors can help control lighting in areas that see light foot traffic. Low wattage LED task lights can take the place of larger area lights in the ceiling.
5. Close doors. Make sure doors close behind customers to keep the cool air in.

Outdoor watering tips

Be water-wise with our landscape rebates and resources to save on outdoor water use. 

1. Get a free irrigation evaluation. No matter the size of your business, we offer a free irrigation evaluation to help you find ways to save. This may include: an on-site assessment, water use history analysis and a detailed report of your top water wasters and most effective cost-saving options. Sign up online.
2. Choose Water Wise plants. Consider low-maintenance plants for your landscape to keep it attractive and easy on the budget when it comes time to water.
3. Follow the Water Wise Rules. We offer a variety of resources to help you maintain attractive landscaping.  Get an establishment permit for new lawns or a water allocation plan for large lots.   
4. Smart controllers. Install a WaterSense qualified smart irrigation controller and save with our rebate. This rebate covers half of the purchase price, up to $400 per WaterSense certified smart controller. Save money long-term: these smart controllers can reduce irrigation water use by an average of 16%.