As business owners and managers, we are always obliged to the ongoing efforts of minimizing costs. We have developed keen senses for identifying areas where unnecessary expenses can arise. One of the more significant expenses to which these efforts are applied is business electricity costs.

However, trying to reduce energy expenses can be a bit trickier, if for no other reason than those costs can tend to remain hidden or otherwise more difficult to unearth. Therefore, today’s article will focus on one specific area that is frequently overlooked in business electricity cost analyses: The Breakroom.

For the purpose of this article, while we’re primarily talking about break rooms, we also want to include any sort of employee ‘leisure area’ or common areas where workers aren’t actually working. These break areas can vary widely between facilities, so it is important to apply the information as it best suits the scale of your premises. We’ve compiled a list of tips, tricks, facts and highlights that can help your business save energy and money on your commercial electricity costs by focusing on oft-overlooked aspects such as these break areas.

1) Use motion sensors or timers for lighting
Are the lights in your break room left on all day? If so , you’re probably wasting electricity. Consider installing motion sensor and auto-off switches for the lighting. If your business operates on strict break schedules, then a timer could work too. The point is to keep the lights off when no one is using the break area. This easy one-time installation would do the trick.

2) Employ “Smart” Coffee Makers
If the typical office worker were a car, coffee would be the gasoline. If your business office requires this precious beverage to function properly, then consider installing an energy efficient coffee maker that can be programmed on a timer. Also, ensure the machine has an auto-off switch to conserve electricity when not in use. Place a thermal insulated carafe nearby and keep coffee warm in the carafe rather than using the electric burner on the appliance.

3) Make Vending Machines More Energy Efficient
Those friendly, coin operated dispensaries of various vittles and cold drinks will quietly hum along day and night, draining your electricity consistently. Consider using an Energy Star qualified vending machine to improve energy conservation in the break room. Furthermore, many modules are surfacing on the market that are designed to regulate power to the lights, motors and cooling/heating cycles of most vending machines to reduce electricity consumption. Starting as low as $180, these devices can pay for themselves in as few as 3-6 months.

4) Location, Location, Location
The actual placement of your company’s break room can play a big role in conserving energy for your business. If the physical location of the leisure area is flexible enough, it might be worth considering a relocation, depending on a few factors. If you have a large facility where lots of employees might gather in the break area, consider using a smaller room with an outdoor patio area for extended space. Large windows can capture sunlight to reduce lighting and heating costs. Multipurpose break rooms can combine various office functions such as office supplies and file storage along with the common areas. Consider various benefits to changing the break area to a more efficient locale.

5) Manage Break Room Heating and Cooling Properly
If your company’s main break area is indoors, you should certainly consider energy-efficient heating and cooling options. If your breakroom is connected to the building’s central heating and cooling system, then there’s not much extra effort involved. However, rather than adjusting thermostats to improve comfortable temps in the lounge, use small fans to keep the room cool when it’s warm. Let the windows capture sunlight in cold seasons to warm it up, and use quality low-consumption space heaters. Always keep fans, heaters and other appliances off when not needed or no one is using the break area.

6) Kitchen-Equipped Lounges can Sap Electricity Fast
Many employee break rooms are equipped with kitchen areas and appliances. If your facility includes such a set-up, then your break room most likely consumes a much larger amount of electricity than typical offices. A kitchen-type break area may include not only a coffee maker and microwave, but also full size refrigerator, freezer, oven/stove, dishwasher, toaster and more. It is imperative to manage this type of break room more closely in terms of energy conservation.

Educate employees about company electricity consumption and how to minimize costs in this area. Ensure appliances are unplugged when not in use. An electric range should be the last resort for food preparation, as a microwave always uses less electricity. The dishwasher should only run when completely full and is best when equipped with an “energy-friendly” setting. Remember that a fully stocked fridge and freezer is more energy efficient (but keep it clean and throw out old food), and keep the temp dial adjusted to the most conservative setting.

7) Electronic Entertainment Can be a Pricey Perk
Some of the more ‘well-equipped’ lounges may include televisions, radios and in some cases even gaming consoles, pinball machines and arcades. If this sounds like your company’s break room, the first order of business is ensuring all such electronics are on a surge protector. Never overload outlets and always keep these devices unplugged (or power strips off) when they aren’t in use. Even one LCD HDTV or gaming console, while turned off, can still soak up a 30-40% chunk of electricity consumption if it’s still plugged in. Electronic appliances in the break room can be a luxury, but make sure they aren’t overloading your business electricity costs.