• Replace incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR® qualified compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). By changing one incandescent bulb that burns 6 hours a day with a CFL, you can save $9 on electricity and $3 on maintenance costs each year. The more lamps you change, the more you save. CFLs produce 75% less heat and they last 10 times longer, so you’ll also save on cooling and replacement costs.
  
• Replace old overhead T12 tubes with more efficient T8s and electronic ballasts to save 15-25% of lighting energy use.
  
• Install occupancy sensors in restrooms, break rooms and storage areas to save 30-75% of lighting energy in those rooms.
  
• Save $20 per year for each incandescent exit sign you replace with an ENERGY STAR qualified model. These products also last up to 10-times longer.
  
• Replace exterior incandescent lamps with high-pressure sodium lamps and save up to 75% of lighting energy use.
  
• Reduce lighting maintenance costs by 25% or more by replacing all lamps (group relamping) when they reach 70% of their expected life, rather than on a spot basis.

Share your success story
Tell your customers and the community about your efforts to save energy and help the environment. Encourage employees to find ways to save energy at home. Become an ENERGY STAR^® partner.

• Use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature based on occupancy. Set the thermostat at 79°F or higher during the day and use fans to feel five degrees cooler.
  
• Program the thermostat to raise the temperature even higher when your business is closed and to cool it down before employees arrive. For each degree you raise the temperature, you’ll save 2-3% on your cooling costs. Inform staff about the settings and seek feedback on comfort levels.
  
• Don’t wait until it breaks! Schedule regular maintenance and tune-ups to keep air conditioning equipment running smoothly. Change filters regularly.
  
• Replace your aging or inoperable air conditioning system with an ENERGY STAR^®  qualified model. Be sure the system is properly sized. Bigger isn't always better.

Find bargains in the back room
The equipment that supports business operations and employee breaks is often an overlooked source of big energy savings. Don’t miss these potential bargains:

• Look for more efficient models when replacing or purchasing new office equipment, such as copiers and fax machines. ENERGY STAR qualified products use 30-75% less electricity than standard office equipment.
  
• Save $10-$30 per monitor and $15-$45 per computer each year just by activating the sleep settings.
  
• Add energy-saving devices to beverage and snack vending machines to reduce the machine’s consumption up to 80%.
  
• Replace old refrigerators and dishwashers with ENERGY STAR qualified products, which use 15-40% less energy than other models.
  
• What about your water cooler? A standard hot and cold bottled water cooler can use more energy than a large refrigerator. An ENERGY STAR qualified model requires about half as much energy.

Stop your losses
Don’t let your profits sail out the door. Apply your loss prevention strategies to energy use. Instead of propping doors open on sizzling summer days, consider stationing a greeter at the door. You’ll keep conditioned air inside the store and create a personal connection with your customers. Also, fix leaky pipes, sinks and water fountains. These little drips can drain your operating budget quickly, especially when they draw hot water.