Skip to main content
Home
  • About Us
    • Annual Report
  • Powering the Future
    • Our Energy Mix
  • Electrify and Save®
    • On-Bill Repayment
    • Programs
    • Quality Install
  • Media
    • Resources
    • Blog
    • Features
    • News
    • Newsletter
    • Podcast
  • Cooperative Benefits
  • Operations
  • Search
Menu

Search form

Energy Saving Maintenance Checklist for Small Businesses

4/17/2023

Energy Saving Maintenance Checklist for Small Businesses 

Even if you don’t own a small business, you likely know someone who does. They’re the lifeblood of our rural communities, from the neighborhood barber to the downtown coffee shop. Whether you’re the owner or a loyal patron, you know running a business is a lot of work. Small business owners do it all, and that often includes maintenance. Just like running a home, businesses require TLC. And that maintenance can help reduce energy costs.  

If you’re working on your list of to-dos around the shop, our Energy Saving Maintenance Checklist for Small Businesses is a good place to start. You’ll even find some cost-effective, energy-efficient tips along the way. 

Energy Saving Maintenance Checklist for Small Businesses

Keep Your Business Environment Clean 

When a business runs cleanly, it is more energy-efficient and comfortable for staff and guests. Most businesses deal with heavy foot traffic that brings in dirt, snow, salt and other debris. That’s why it’s important to regularly change your HVAC filter(s) and have your equipment serviced at least once a year. Otherwise, that dirt, dust, and debris can end up clogging your heating and cooling system. Systems that are inspected and cleaned annually last longer and are more efficient, saving you money each month on your energy bill.  

If you haven’t recently, a deep clean is also a good idea. Start with the areas where customers spend the most time like the storefront, lobby, bathroom and other common areas. Try to see your business with fresh eyes and ask yourself where cleaning has been neglected. Here’s a general cleaning checklist to get you started: 

 

  • Dust baseboards, ceiling fans, furniture, window seals and all other surfaces 

  • Sweep or vacuum floors, then mop 

  • Replace furniture, rugs, or other items that are ripped or stained beyond repair 

  • Clean and sanitize trash and recycling bins 

  • Use glass cleaner on windows and mirrors 
     

Provide Comfortable, Pure Air  

Air filters at home should be replaced twice a year but air filters at businesses should be replaced at least four times a year, about once a quarter, depending on the number of people in the building. If you or your employees have a weakened immune system, you should consider replacing filters more often. Unlike at home, more people occupy a commercial space, and the doors are likely opened more frequently letting in dust, pollen and other contaminants that can compromise air quality. 

In addition to clean air, provide comfortable air! Don’t waste your time and money trying to manually regulate your business’ temperature. Simply install a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts throughout the day. Depending on the square footage of your business and the size of your HVAC, you may be able to install a residential smart thermostat while larger businesses will likely need to install a commercial smart thermostat. Be sure to choose an ENERGY STAR™ certified thermostat to ensure it has been independently proven to deliver energy savings.  

 

Request an Energy Assessment 

While energy efficiency is on the mind, schedule an energy assessment (also known as an energy audit) for your business. An energy assessment identifies how your business consumes energy so you can determine the best strategy to reduce consumption and costs.  

According to ENERGY STAR, it’s possible for an average commercial business to save up to 30 percent on energy bills with no-cost actions, strategic investment, and small operations and maintenance. Contact your electric utility to schedule an energy assessment.  

Energy Saving Maintenance Checklist for Small Businesses

Upgrade Your Outdoor Space 

If you have the space and authority, landscaping for shade around your business is a great way to reduce cooling costs in warmer months. There are many trees and shrubs to choose from, and your local garden supply (support small businesses!) can walk you through options for optimal shade. The Department of Energy has also provided tips on landscaping for shade. 

As you’re working outside, you may need a mower, weed trimmer, leaf blower or other necessary garden tools. If you don’t already own them or need an upgrade, consider switching to outdoor power tools. Save time by not having to buy and store gasoline, change the oil, or replace spark plugs and filters. Electric tools are lightweight, easy to store and reduce emissions without sacrificing power. 

Electrify When You Upgrade  

Over time your business will likely need upgrades and replacements. There are dozens of ways to introduce cost-effective, energy-efficient technology to your facility. Consider investing in the following: 

  • When installed properly, energy-efficient windows and doors can reduce drafts and improve overall comfort and appearance 

  • Ensuring proper insulation and air-sealing at your business is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy waste. Areas in need of insulation can be identified through thermal imaging, typically done during an energy audit. 

  • Switching to LED lighting is easy and inexpensive. LED lights use significantly less energy than incandescent lights and last much longer than both incandescent and fluorescent lights. 

  • Air-source heat pumps can be used to replace or complement existing systems and can save significant money over time.   

Take Advantage of Rebates and Incentives 

There are a number of state and federal incentives available when you make energy-efficient upgrades at your business. Your local electric cooperative or public power district is a good resource to understand more about energy-efficient appliance options and technologies, and potentially help answer questions on contractors, financing, and incentives.  

Electrify and Save™  

 

--

About Tri-State

Tri-State is a power supply cooperative, operating on a not-for-profit basis, serving electric distribution cooperatives and public power district member-owners in four states. Together with our members, we deliver reliable, affordable and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. Visit www.tristate.coop.    

 

Contributor:

Brittany Willison

Post Tags
energy efficiency

Blog Posts

Fall family activities close to home

5 Fall Family Activities Close to Home

Shorter days don’t mean you’ll be short on opportunities for family fun! Our list of safe fall activities at home will help you embrace the best of the season with your loved ones - all while saving money and staying close to home.
Kent Mahanna, MPH, CSP Senior Manager Safety & Security
Read more >
5 Powerful Electric Tools for Fall Clean-up

5 Powerful Electric Tools for Fall Clean-up

At Tri-State, we are adding renewables and reducing emissions as part of our Responsible Energy Plan. As electricity becomes cleaner, replacing appliances and tools, or even cars and trucks, traditionally powered by fossil fuels,  can further reduce overall emissions. These electric-powered gardening tools can last longer and are emissions-free, meaning you’ll smell the crisp fall air, not the smell of exhaust.
Read more >
how to prepare for bad winter storms

How to Prepare for Winter’s Worst Storms

What should you do for winter storm safety preparation? The safety tips below will help you to prepare for some of the worst winter storm situations. 
Kent Mahanna, MPH, CSP Senior Manager Safety & Security
Read more >
Make Online Math and Science Fun for Kids

10 Ways to Make Online Math and Science Fun

With stay-at-home learning, teachers are facing the challenges of coming up for creative ways to make online learning enjoyable. How to make online math and science fun for kids? Michelle Pastor explores the many ways, and shares her insider knowledge.
Michelle Pastor, Senior Education Program Advisor
Read more >
Power Up Your Child’s Remote Learning

8 Ways to Power Up Your Child’s Remote Learning Routine

In many of our communities, the beginning of the school year is looking more like last spring. As much of our lives stay online, adjusting to remote learning is the new normal. 
Michelle Pastor, Senior Education Program Advisor
Read more >
Create a Productive and Fun Learning Environment for Kids at Home

How to Create a Productive and Fun Learning Environment at Home

Many family homes have now become full or part-time learning spaces as many schools have transitioned to virtual and at-home learning. In order to create a successful learning routine at home for kids, parents should make a plan to create spaces that are organized, calm and productive for learning at home. Here's a few tips to get started.
Michelle Pastor, Senior Education Program Advisor
Read more >
Fun Summer Activities Close to Home

10 Fun Summer Activities Close to Home

Warm weather and long days are a recipe for family fun. No matter the ages or the size of your family, try an activity from our list to enjoy the summer season together - all close to home! 
Michelle Pastor, Senior Education Program Advisor
Read more >
best ways to travel in a van

Van Life: How to Make Your Van More Efficient

Looking to hit the open road and embrace the #VanLife? Here are some efficient ways to travel in a van while exploring America
Kristen Wurth, Communications Specialist
Read more >
ways for kids to conserve energy at school or home

10 Easy Ways for Kids to Conserve Energy at Home and School

As students, parents, and teachers gear up for back to school season, more energy will be used in homes and classrooms. Here are 10 easy ways that kids can be a part of conserving energy in the home and classroom.
Rachel Stout, Communications Intern
Read more >

Pagination

  • First page« First
  • Previous page‹ Previous
  • …
  • Page   3
  • Page   4
  • Page   5
  • Page   6
  • Page   7
  • Currently on page   8
  • Page   9
  • Page   10
  • Page   11
  • Next pageNext ›
  • Last pageLast »

Subscribe

* indicates required
Join our mailing list for
updates and member news.
 
 

Quick links

  • Leadership Team
  • Dark Fiber
  • Financials
  • Board Meetings
  • Member Tools
  • The Cooperative Difference
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Careers
  • Employee login

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
Office: 303-452-6111
1100 West 116th Avenue
Westminster, CO 80234

Mailing address:
PO Box 33695
Denver, CO 80233-0695

©2025 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Power supplier to the rural west.

  • About Us
    • Annual Report
  • Powering the Future
    • Our Energy Mix
  • Electrify and Save®
    • On-Bill Repayment
    • Programs
    • Quality Install
  • Media
    • Resources
    • Blog
    • Features
    • News
    • Newsletter
    • Podcast
  • Cooperative Benefits
  • Operations
  • Search