If you manage or own a commercial building, you know energy costs can take a big bite out of your budget. From lighting and equipment to wiring and HVAC, every system adds up—and often, energy is being wasted by equipment without you even realizing it.
Whether you operate an office, warehouse, or industrial facility, reducing your electricity use is one of the most practical ways to improve your bottom line.
Here are five smart strategies to cut costs and improve commercial energy efficiency—no guesswork needed.
Schedule a Professional Energy Audit
Not sure where your building is losing energy? That’s where an energy audit comes in.
An audit examines your electrical systems, lighting, insulation, equipment, and usage patterns. The goal is to identify areas where efficiency can be improved—without compromising operations. A professional electrician in Utah can provide an analysis and recommend cost-effective upgrades based on your building’s unique needs.
Some of the most common fixes include rewiring inefficient circuits, upgrading panels, or adding automation to reduce unnecessary draw.
Upgrade to LED Lighting
Lighting typically accounts for 20–30% of a commercial building’s energy use. Swapping outdated fluorescent or halogen fixtures for LED lighting can reduce that number significantly.
LEDs use far less electricity, last up to 25 times longer, and produce less heat, which can also lower your cooling costs. They’re ideal for everything from conference rooms to warehouses and production lines.
Whether you do a full retrofit or just replace bulbs gradually, the savings add up fast. And with rebate programs available through many utility companies in Utah, the upfront investment can often be offset.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Wiring and Controls
Behind every piece of equipment is a network of wiring and controls that deliver and regulate power. Outdated or undersized wiring can create resistance and energy loss—especially in older buildings.
Replacing old wiring with energy-efficient wiring can improve performance and reduce power waste. Adding smart controls—like motion sensors, occupancy sensors, Wi-Fi switches, and programmable thermostats and other devices—lets you optimize usage across different times of day or zones in your building.
This is especially useful for shared spaces like break rooms, restrooms, and storage areas or warehouses that don’t need to be lit 24/7.
Modernize Industrial Equipment and Machinery
In industrial buildings, large machinery is often the top energy consumer. Equipment like motors, compressors, hydraulic systems, and conveyor belts can become inefficient as they age—or if they were never properly sized for your needs in the first place.
Consider upgrading to newer, high-efficiency models, or retrofitting existing equipment with variable frequency drives (VFDs). VFDs let motors adjust their speed to the actual demand, instead of running full throttle all the time. This can dramatically reduce energy use, especially in systems that don’t operate at full capacity 24/7.
Also, don’t underestimate the value of regular maintenance. Simple tasks like lubricating moving parts, checking alignment, and replacing worn belts can improve efficiency and prevent energy waste.
Monitor, Measure, and Adjust
Once your upgrades are in place, don’t stop there. Ongoing monitoring can help you catch new issues early and fine-tune your savings over time.
Installing energy sub-meters, tracking your utility data, or using a building automation system allows you to:
- Identify usage spikes or abnormal patterns
- Compare performance month over month
- Make adjustments seasonally or as your operations change
Many Utah businesses find that monitoring helps justify further investment in upgrades or helps secure utility rebates.
Why It Matters
Improving energy efficiency isn’t just about cutting costs. It also reduces strain on your systems, improves safety, and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability—something increasingly important to our community.
And in today’s economy, every dollar you don’t spend on energy is one you can reinvest in your people, processes, or growth.
Working with a Trusted Electrical Partner
At the end of the day, making energy improvements often requires a skilled electrician. Whether it’s installing new wiring, retrofitting lights, or upgrading electrical panels, working with an experienced commercial electrician near you can make all the difference.
Professional Electrical Services Inc. has been helping Utah businesses improve their electrical systems since 1992. Our licensed team can handle everything from audits to installations—efficiently, safely, and with minimal disruption to your business.
Need help planning your next upgrade?
Let’s talk. We’re happy to walk through your options and create a custom energy-saving plan for your building. Reach out today for a free consultation with one of our trusted electricians in Utah.