When we think of costs associated with food-related businesses, our thoughts tend to turn to ingredients, new ovens, and décor for the dining room. But any business owner will tell you that not all your costs are as glamourous as those.
Paying utility bills, for instance, isn’t nearly as exciting as paying for a new kitchen torch for crème brûlée. But it’s still essential for keeping your business open, and keeping those costs down is necessary to keep your bottom line in good condition. These three ways to reduce your restaurant’s utility bills will help.
Don’t Leave Unused Equipment On
One of the simplest ways to reduce a restaurant’s utility bills is to cut down on use. Many restaurants keep all their equipment and devices running simultaneously, even when they aren’t in use. While this can be convenient, it can also run up your business’ bills very quickly.
Changing these policies starts with awareness. Take a day to monitor equipment and electricity usage in your restaurant. Are there times the range is on when no one’s using it? Are areas lit that don’t need to be? With this information, you can help change your business’s habits.
Utilize Energy-Saving Equipment
With more and more businesses pushing for sustainable practices, there’s a wider selection of energy-saving kitchen equipment than ever. These are average kitchen equipment pieces, such as ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers, that use less electricity and water while still providing high-quality capabilities.
But food preparation equipment isn’t the only type with energy-saving alternatives. Lighting is an especially good candidate to exchange for more sustainable options, such as dimmer bulbs. Along with allowing for more options for ambient lighting, dimmer bulbs use less electricity. This results in a smaller bill.
Invest in Equipment Maintenance
Less efficient energy uses are the often unrecognized consequences of poor equipment maintenance. Making sure that equipment is in top condition will not only save you money on your bill but will increase your business’s overall performance.
A few key tasks to keep on top of include:
- Replacing filters
- Examining refrigerator coils
- Cleaning out HVAC vents
- Clearing grease traps
Keeping up with equipment maintenance requires companies to have a regular maintenance schedule. However, you should leave some maintenance to the professionals. If you’re searching for a reliable restaurant equipment maintenance company, look to Jay-Hill Repairs. We’ll help keep your equipment in prime condition.
