This article was previously published on Jan 8, 2015 and updated for comprehensiveness and accuracy.  

Key Points 

• Businesses waste up to 30% of their energy through inefficiencies like poor insulation, outdated systems, and unnecessary usage. 
• Lighting and HVAC systems account for over half of energy costs.
• A professional energy audit can uncover hidden inefficiencies and reduce annual energy expenses by up to 20%.
• Local rebates and incentives often help offset the cost of energy-efficient upgrades, making sustainability more affordable than ever.

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For small, medium, and large businesses alike, energy costs can have a heavier impact on profits than many realize. Between lighting, heating, cooling, and equipment use, operating expenses can skyrocket, especially when systems aren’t optimized and utilized effectively. 

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that roughly 30% of the energy used in businesses is wasted due to inefficiencies such as poor insulation, aging systems, or equipment left running unnecessarily. 

However, by pairing smarter strategies with modern energy management systems, businesses can often cut 10–20 % (or more) from energy use, sometimes recouping upgrades in just a few years. 

Below, we dive deep into why energy waste is rampant, how energy management systems help, and provide actionable strategies to help cut energy costs intelligently.

1. Align Security and Energy Management Initiatives

It’s common for businesses to leave exterior or interior lights on after hours to deter potential intruders. While this helps with visibility and safety, lighting accounts for about 17% of total electricity use in commercial properties. Keeping lights on all night adds up quickly. 

A few small adjustments can make a big difference:

• Automate lighting schedules. Set timers so lights remain on only in essential areas (like entrances or parking lots) after hours. 
• Use motion or occupancy sensors. Lights automatically turn on when needed, saving energy when spaces are empty.
• Switch to LED lighting. LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. 

By blending smart lighting technology with your security measures, you can maintain visibility and peace of mind, without wasting electricity and incurring unnecessary costs.

Keep Your HVAC Systems in Top Shape

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems often account for 35% of total energy use in commercial buildings, making them the largest energy consumers. When neglected, they run longer and harder than necessary, driving up costs. 

To prevent unnecessary consumption, follow a simple maintenance plan: 

• Replace or clean filters regularly, typically every 1–3 months depending on conditions and load. 
• Seal or repair leaking ductwork; air losses through ducts are a common inefficiency.
• Schedule regular professional tune-ups at least twice per year to inspect coils, motors, sensors, and refrigerant levels.
• Use demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) to modulate fresh-air intake based on occupancy or CO₂ levels.
• Incorporate variable-speed drives in fans or pumps so equipment adjusts to demand, rather than always running full blast.
• Zone your commercial space so that different areas (e.g. back offices, storefronts, storage) can have independent temperature control rather than one-size-fits-all. 

Commercial HVAC guidelines suggest that with proper maintenance and control, energy consumption can be significantly reduced by up to 20% according to Timberline Mechanical. 

3. Conduct a Professional Energy Audit

An energy audit is one of the most effective ways to uncover hidden sources of waste. During an audit, a specialist evaluates your building’s systems, including insulation, lighting, HVAC performance, and equipment usage. They can then identify inefficiencies and recommend targeted improvements. 

Many local utilities even offer rebates or financial incentives for completing an energy audit or upgrading to high-efficiency systems, a bonus worth checking into. 

Pro Tip: The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) has an online tool to help you find the latest federal and local tax rebates and incentives.

4 Take Control of Your Internal Temperature

Unnecessary heating or cooling during off-hours is another common source of energy waste in businesses. Modern energy management systems like smart thermostats give you the ability to control when and how your system runs, even remotely. 

These systems let you: 

• Pre-program schedules for business hours, weekends, and holidays. 
• Set temperature thresholds so systems only activate when needed.
• Adjust settings remotely from your phone or laptop. 

Bonus Fact: According to the DOE, businesses using smart thermostats can save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs annually. 

Building an Energy-Efficient Business

Whether you’re running a small retail shop, a local office, or a large commercial facility, energy efficiency is one of the smartest investments you can make. Optimizing your systems not only reduces monthly expenses but also strengthens your bottom line. 

By aligning your energy management practices with your day-to-day operations, you’re not just cutting waste; you’re building a more resilient and cost-effective business for the future.  

To learn more about energy management solutions and how Vector Security can help your business become more cost-efficient, feel free to contact us today.