How to control natural gas costs
Use mge.com to access energy-use data and energy-saving information.• Small to medium-sized businesses should install setback thermostats or check settings on existing setback thermostats. Reduce your natural gas use by one percent for every one degree you set back the thermostat for an 8-hour period. MGE recommends a thermostat setting of 68ºF or less when the building is occupied. Set the temperature lower for nonbusiness hours and weekends.
• Medium to large facilities should have energy management systems to help control energy use. If used properly, they can reduce natural gas use by up to 20%.
• Regular maintenance of heating systems is also important. Have your system checked by an experienced contractor and replace or clean furnace filters.
Manage hot water use
• Minimize the use of hot water with flow controls for faucets, shower-heads and sprayers.
• Set the water heater temperature at 120ºF. Reduce water-heating costs by 3%–5% for every 10º temperature reduction.
• Insulate hot water pipes.
Don't let your heated air escape to the outdoors
• Keep exterior doors closed as much as possible.
• If possible, shut off exhaust fans during hours when the building isn't occupied.
• Use dock shelters on loading docks and keep overhead doors closed when not loading or unloading.
Look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol when you purchase HVAC equipment
• Over the life of the equipment, it can save your business $3–$4 per square foot. In a 4,000-square-foot building, that's $12,000–$16,000.
Visit mge.com/bizenergy for more energy-saving ideas.
Site Map 
Printer friendly
Email this page