When starting a business it’s important to understand that there will be costs involved. You’ll need to cover operating costs and various other expenses. From preparation to startup to the actual operation itself, there will be costs involved, so it’s important to track small business utility costs and find ways how you can minimize them.

Small Business Utility Costs

Why tracking your expenses matters

The money you spend to cover your gas, electricity, water and other expenses form part of your utility costs. These are necessary so that your employees will have suitable working conditions. Since they will be part of your regular monthly expenses, you’ll want to know how much your average is so you can find a way to minimize the figures involved as best as you can.

accounting costs calculator

Costs to look into

Before you gather cost estimates, make sure to categorize your expenses first.  This makes managing them a much easier task. Among the costs you need to consider include:

Trash Pick-up

You’ll need to get trash regularly disposed of from your office. If you want to get your waste ecologically sorted or recycled, prepare to pay extra.

Water and Sewer

This has something to do with the amount of water that is being consumed when using the toilets and sinks. Costs might not be that high if you have a smaller office but for bigger buildings, this can be considerably high.

office comfort room

Internet and Power

Power is the most critical to your operation since your profit depends heavily on it. Expect that your power consumption is going to be higher when compared to your home.

Tips on Minimizing Business Utility Costs

Invest in energy-efficient equipment

Before leasing or buying your electronics, make sure to check if they have Energy Star certifications that indicate they are energy-efficient. This will be most helpful in helping you save considerably in the process.

Choose smart lighting

Automated lighting fixtures are becoming prevalent in modern buildings these days, especially those that are looking for ways to minimize the impact of their energy usage on the environment. Connected lighting is also ideal for those that are trying to reduce their energy usage as well while enjoying the improved aesthetics that smart lighting offers. There are is a wide variety of awesome lighting fixtures that have been modified by experts to be able to conserve more energy.

lights chairs table office

Reduce peak demand

You can save considerably on your electricity usage by reducing the peak demand at specific hours when your energy usage is very high. Peak demand times usually fall between 9 am and 5 pm. Staggering the work hours can help reduce this. If your business involves running heavy machinery and equipment, having them operated in the evening can help.

Run fans

Instead of relying heavily on the HVAC system at all times, you can choose to run fans inside the office instead. Do the same thing in your showrooms, kitchens, pantries and warehouses. Fans are useful at maintaining airflow to help keep your HVAC running efficiently at all times.

Power down equipment by day’s end

Make it a habit among employees to shut down their equipment at the end of every working day. Make sure to unplug these devices as well. Aside from computers and other office equipment, make sure to also turn off office appliances including toasters, coffeemakers, microwaves and various others devices.