At Uncommon Electricians, we’re more than just electricians; we’re your partners in building a more efficient and profitable business. We work with business owners to uncover hidden energy drains and implement smart electrical solutions that go beyond the obvious. Here are some of our top tips for saving energy and money for your business.
1. Upgrade to Smart, High-Efficiency LED Lighting
For many commercial properties, lighting is one of the biggest energy consumers. If you’re still using old-style fluorescent tubes or halogen downlights, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity for savings. Modern LED lighting uses up to 85% less energy and lasts up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs.
But the savings don’t stop there. By integrating smart lighting controls, you can take efficiency to the next level:
Motion Sensors: Perfect for storerooms, bathrooms, and corridors, these sensors ensure lights are only on when a space is occupied.
Automated Timers: Use timers to automatically turn off outdoor or display lighting after business hours, saving you money and giving you one less thing to worry about at the end of the day.
Daylight Harvesting: In spaces with large windows, sensors can automatically dim lights when there’s enough natural light, providing the perfect balance of illumination without wasting power.
2. Optimise Your Air Conditioning System
In Queensland, your air conditioning system can be a major drain on your energy bill. However, with a few professional adjustments and smart controls, you can dramatically improve its efficiency.
Regular Maintenance: Dirty filters and coils make your system work harder, using more power. A professional clean and service ensures your air conditioning runs at peak efficiency.
Smart Thermostats: Installing a programmable thermostat allows you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day, ensuring you’re not paying to cool an empty building.
Dedicated Circuits: High-powered air conditioning units should be on their own dedicated circuit. This prevents them from overloading the system, which can cause inefficiencies and tripped breakers.
3. Install Power Factor Correction
This is one of the most effective and often overlooked ways for a business with heavy machinery, motors, or large lighting systems to save money. Put simply, power factor is a measure of how efficiently your business uses its electricity. A poor power factor is like a cappuccino with too much froth—you pay for the whole cup, but a lot of what you get isn’t useful.
A low power factor means you’re drawing more electricity from the grid than you’re actually using to do work, which can lead to higher network and demand charges on your bill. By installing a Power Factor Correction unit, we can improve this efficiency, reduce your demand on the grid, and significantly cut your electricity costs. For many businesses, the savings from this can be in the thousands of dollars and the payback period is surprisingly short.
4. Consider an Energy Audit
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. A professional energy audit is the ultimate way to get a clear picture of your business’s energy consumption. Our licensed electricians will:
Identify which equipment and systems are using the most power.
Spot hidden electrical inefficiencies that are costing you money.
Provide a detailed, prioritised list of recommendations for improvements, from simple fixes to major upgrades.
This data-driven approach allows you to make informed decisions and invest in the solutions that will give you the best return.
5. Explore Government Incentives
The Queensland and Australian governments understand that improving business energy efficiency is a win-win for everyone. There are often rebates and tax incentives available to help you make the switch.
State Rebates: The Queensland Government has offered rebates of up to $12,500 for eligible small and medium businesses that install energy-efficient equipment, such as LED lighting or energy-efficient air conditioners.
Federal Tax Incentives: The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has previously offered tax incentives for businesses to invest in energy-efficient assets.
These incentives can make a significant dent in the upfront cost of an upgrade, making it an even more attractive investment.
The Uncommon Electricians Advantage for Your Business
At Uncommon Electricians, we understand that your business needs practical, cost-effective, and professional solutions. Our team of commercial electricians is trained to assess your unique needs and provide a clear plan for improving your energy efficiency. We handle everything from the initial audit to the final installation, ensuring a seamless process with minimal disruption to your operations.
Don’t let inefficient electrical systems eat into your profits. Taking a proactive approach to energy efficiency is a smart business decision that protects your bottom line and your future.
Ready to start saving on your energy bills? Contact Uncommon Electricians today for a professional energy audit or to discuss your business’s electrical needs. You can visit our website or call us on 07 3074 9486 to get started.
