Energy Saving Tips in a Warehouse

There are many reasons to commit to saving energy in your facility. For starters, it’s good for the environment. Secondly, it can be good for your bottom line – as, with any savings, you can translate to lower utility bills. And last but not least, consumers want to do business with brands and firms that focus on sustainable practices. In fact, according to some studies, more than 80 percent of U.S. consumers want to do business with entities committed to environmental sustainability – so saving energy could even become a competitive advantage.

When saving energy in a warehouse, there isn’t one big thing that’ll make a difference, but a lot of small things can all add up over time. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of these little things that can make a big difference over the long run:

Energy Saving Tips in a Warehouse

1. Conduct an Initial Efficiency Analysis

To know where you can save the most energy, you should consider conducting an efficiency analysis. These checks will gauge your facility’s energy consumption and identify areas where you can maximize improvements. After you run an initial efficiency analysis and make improvements accordingly, you might even consider having subsequent ones performed annually to ensure you’re not slipping in any areas or that you’re not leaving other opportunities wasted.

2. Flexible HVAC Scheduling

Industrial environments can get hot in the summer and cold in the winter, so a well-working HVAC system is important to ensure your workers are comfortable and remain productive. But your warehouse shouldn’t be heating and cooling the facility when work isn’t being done, and nobody is present. That’s where flexible HVAC scheduling can come in handy. Look for opportunities to adjust the thermostat throughout the year based on the time of day workers are present to maximize efficiency.

3. Lights

If you haven’t yet switched to LED lights, do it now. Not only can LED lights represent up to 80 percent energy savings, but they last longer, are brighter, and are safer than conventional lighting. If you want to double-dip on efficient lighting, install motion detectors so that lights shut off when nobody is in a specific area after a while.

4. Insulation

Doors, windows, and garage door bays are vital areas where hot and cool air escapes. Adding insulation can help offset energy losses to a certain extent, keeping your facility more comfortable and ensuring that HVAC equipment runs less often.

5. Power Down Machines

Are you not using a machine? Power it down! If not using a machine, make sure you’re shutting it down. Even if a machine is idle, it’s still going to be drawing some power – and this “phantom electricity” that is drawn could account for tens of dollars more per machine in energy costs each month.

6. Look for Energy Efficient Equipment

Energy-efficient conveyors and other warehouse equipment are available today for purchase and installation in your facility. Consider investing in more energy-efficient models when upgrading or replacing certain pieces in your warehouse – like 24vdc roller conveyors. Not only do they optimize energy savings, but can be customizable and easily retrofittable.

A-Lined Handling Systems Can Help

A-Lined Handling Systems is here to help you improve your business’ warehouse management process by automating logistics through cutting-edge technology. We’ll study your warehouse and make suggestions on best practices for energy conservation. Our goal is to maximize efficiency – whether it be through boosts in employee productivity, increased company oversight, or providing you with the best technologies currently available on the market.

To learn more about how we can transform your workplace, please contact A-Lined Handling Systems today!