Boosting Restaurant Profits With Energy Efficiency
Heating, Cooling and Ventilation: Patio Heaters
Cut back on heaters and heat time. Without a doubt, the best approach to saving money with patio heaters is to cut back-both on the hours of operation and on the number of patio heaters running at any given time. Consider that three 50,000-Btu heaters operating an average of three hours daily could cost you upwards of $1,600 per year.
Design with efficiency in mind. Keep in mind that moving air can disperse the heat that radiates from patio heaters. Be smart with your patio layout; block cross drafts and consider how to use the fewest heaters so you can get the most bang for your energy buck.
Heating and cooling: Taking the next step
Investigating your climate control options can really pay off, especially if your restaurant has a centralized heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (commonly referred to as an HVAC system). HVAC systems that are improperly calibrated or that rely on outdated equipment can waste a lot of energy. Here are two options for getting the process started:
Call your local utility. In many cases, finding out more about your heating and cooling options is as simple as picking up the phone-most utilities either offer a suite of energy efficiency services or can direct you to others that do.
Use Flex Your Power's Rebates, Incentives & Services Locator. Service providers throughout the state offer energy audits, rebate programs and other services for small businesses, sometimes for free. See what's out there-visit .