An average commercial building uses less energy than a restaurant.You can balance your budget by monitoring your energy usage.Identifying where you're spending the most money can be done with an energy audit.Making changes like using and maintaining energy-efficient appliances, taking care of your heating, cooling, and ventilation systems and turning off lights you aren't using can help you cut costs.It's a good idea to ask your staff to pitch in as well.You will save money and protect natural resources at the same time.
Step 1: Ask your utility providers for an energy audit.
They can give you an in-depth analysis of your restaurant.When the auditor arrives, you should have copies of your energy bills.They will look for issues that can be fixed to improve your energy flow.Auditors try to find ways to improve energy efficiency.Tell the auditor what you've seen in the restaurant.Let them know if one part of the building stays warm or cold.An independent auditing company can take a look at your restaurant if your utility companies don't provide auditing services.
Step 2: According to feedback from the audit, make repairs and changes.
The auditor can give you a list of suggestions to improve your energy efficiency.Replacing outdated equipment is the first step after repairing any leaks that could damage the building.It is possible that you will be instructed to make bigger changes, such as installing new range vents ornsulating areas that let out hot air.You can mark off the energy-saving tips one by one as you go through the checklist given to you by the auditor.You will save a lot of energy if you do as many as you can.
Step 3: Encourage your employees to save energy.
In the restaurant, teach your employees how to conserve energy.Even when you're busy, proper training can help cut down on costs.Make a list of all the solutions you are implementing after sharing the results of the audit.Reward employees that do a good job.Some of your savings could be used to buy lunch for employees after they improve their efficiency.Energy efficiency is a team activity.
Step 4: When you aren't using equipment, shut it down.
Limit how often you use appliances is one of the most basic ways to reduce energy waste.Many people don't realize how many of their systems run all day.Give it a rest if you aren't cooking with something.Even if an appliance is off for a short period of time, you still conserve energy.The fryers are big energy hogs.Although they are a necessity in many kitchens, try to find time to shut them off, such as during the hours between lunch and dinner.If you want to teach your staff how to use the equipment in your restaurant, make a schedule for it.Let them know when to shut down their appliances.
Step 5: Older equipment can be replaced with energy- efficient models.
It could save you a lot of money in the long run if you purchase new equipment instead of repairing what you already have.As they break down, there are a number of options to swap out.Energy-efficient systems reduce energy usage by up to 70%.The savings are quickly added up if you convert your entire kitchen.
Step 6: As your equipment begins to break down, maintain and repair it.
As soon as you notice the problems, take care of them.Equipment that is damaged leaks energy.Over time, the costs add up if those leaks don't seem like a big deal.If your freezer door hangs open, you are wasting energy and money.The rubber gasket around the doors should be replaced.Old gasket can cause leaks and doors that won't close.Appliances with missing adjustment knobs are more likely to waste energy.If the burner control is gone, you can't set your stove exactly.
Step 7: You should cook more on the appliances you own.
Kitchen equipment that uses the least amount of energy can be changed to cook more.Try to come up with dishes that can be prepared in a pressure cooker or steamer instead of serving fried fish and wings.Since they burn a lot of energy, reduce your usage of rotisseries and Broilers.Try implementing new dishes that use less energy.Shut off your expensive equipment if you want guests to go to those dishes.
Step 8: When heat sources are not being used, shut them off.
Cooking appliances give off a lot of heat of their own.The extra heat coming from the kitchen should be accounted for by keeping the restaurant at a comfortable temperature.Turn off the lights you don't need or dim them because they add residual heat.You can take advantage of the weather by opening windows.During the colder months, well-sealed windows keep warm.If temperature control is a problem in your restaurant, you may want to have a specialist check the building's insulation.
Step 9: The temperature control mechanisms in the restaurant should be adjusted.
Thermostat controls need to be adjusted over time.To calibrate a thermostat, turn the appliance on and hold the temperature in front of it.After turning the heat off, make an adjustment by comparing the temperature to the setting you used.You have to press a pair of buttons to enter calibration mode, where you can change the temperature.To turn a small screw into a mechanical thermostat, you need a screwdriver or pliers.There are screws underneath the control knobs on an oven.The thermostats should be Calibrate every 90 days to make sure you get the most out of them.If the temperature doesn't match the setting you're using, call a technician.
Step 10: A thermostat that can be programmed for better temperature control.
You can change a room's temperature without being in the restaurant.The old thermostat needs to be removed and the new one put in place.You can change the temperature on different days of the week.Program in your restaurant's hours of operation.The lights could be turned on when your staff arrives and off when they leave.
Step 11: Air filters need to be changed every 3 months.
Dust and other debris are picked up by air filters.Your kitchen systems stop working the way you want them to when they get cluttered.Your building's heating, air conditioners, and ventilation hoods should be maintained.They all use the same basic type of filter, which is easy to replace with a clean one.During winter and summer, make sure to inspect the filters every month.If a filter looks black, you should replace it.
Step 12: Get bigger hoods to collect heat and smoke.
The hood on the ovens and other smoke- producing accessories needs to be large.Make sure these systems have fans that are strong enough to pull food and drink out of the kitchen.Your kitchen can run at peak efficiency if the hood ducts are taken outside.It won't be possible to collect all the heat and debris when you cook if the hood is too small.That could cause your kitchen to get dirtier.
Step 13: Purchase a yearly tune-up for your heating and cooling systems.
If you want to make friends with a trustworthy professional in your neighborhood, you need to see them frequently.A professional cleans your air conditioning and furnace system.They repair damaged portions to keep your systems functioning.You can work to maintain the systems, but not on your own.Before they grow into bigger issues, let a professional help keep them efficient.
Step 14: It should be replaced.
Light bulbs are easy to overlook, but newer models are more efficient.There are T8 fluorescent bulbs for overhead lighting.The old electronic signs should be replaced with new models.A quick and inexpensive way to save money is to swap out bulbs.A new fluorescent bulb can be 25% more efficient than an old one.You just have to twist out the old bulb and put the new one in.Neon or fluorescent signs are more efficient than LED bulbs.They do not have toxic gasses like those bulbs do, so they are recyclable.
Step 15: Daylight sensors can be used to turn off exterior lights.
The photocells are sensors that detect and adjust to the amount of light present.They turn on at night and off during the day.You will need to wire the fixture to a junction box or have an electrician do it for you.If you don't turn off the outdoor lights before you head home, the sensors are great.Many restaurants leave their lights on all day.
Step 16: Occupancy sensors can be installed to shut off unused lights in smaller rooms.
Occupancy sensors work the same way as other types of sensors, but they don't detect light.If you've ever stepped in front of an automatic door, the sensors will work the same way.They make sure you don't waste power on rooms that are not used.You don't have to send someone to flip the light switch if you want to save electricity.The best places to use Occupancy sensors are in the bathroom and small offices.Some grocery stores have put them in fridges to keep the lights off until someone walks by.
Step 17: Better control over the room lighting can be achieved with dimmer switches.
The old switch plates should be removed from the wall to make way for more efficient dimmers.Remove the wires from the old switches and put them into the new ones.Dimmers give you more control over the lighting and atmosphere of your restaurant.Your options are either on or off with normal switches.You can choose the light level according to the time of day.Low lighting in the daytime can save you money.Automatic daylight dimmers adjust light fixture brightness on their own according to how much light they detect.
Step 18: Rewire.
You can control different sets of lights from a single location with bi-level switch.Half of the overhead lights in the restaurant can be controlled by a pair of switches.You would have to turn on all of them if they were wired to the same switch.It is possible to turn off the lights you don't need.You could seat customers in one half of the restaurant and keep the lights off in the other.Half of the lights can be turned off when you don't need them in the daytime.If you are not careful, a switch can be unsafe.Hire an electrician to look at the wiring.