Retail Stores

Retail stores often generate excessive energy waste. Cut costs, improve the shopping experience and save with these simple tips.

Savings Opportunities: Peak Demand Management

Take steps now to boost energy savings and manage demand in your retail store. Consider regulating energy use based on customer traffic and store hours. Check out more tips below to improve energy efficiency in each area of your retail store:

HVAC

• Install a smart thermostat for optimal savings and greater convenience. Align temperature set points with foot traffic during store hours.
• Pre-cool your retail space before the peak hours of 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
• Inspect and replace air filters regularly to achieve energy savings and avoid breakdowns.
• Schedule seasonal tune-ups to check air conditioner refrigerant levels, gas furnace/boiler burner operation, clean internal components and tighten loose connections.
• Replace older air conditioning units and furnaces/boilers with energy efficient models and save 30% or more.
• Implement rooftop economizers to pull in cool outside air, saving up to 10% on cooling costs.
• Install shade screens or window film to reduce solar heat gain.

If your business has a smart thermostat, you may be able to receive up to $185 in prepaid cards by participating in our Power Savers Program. Learn more online.

Lighting

• Purchase indoor lighting with an 80+ CRI color-quality rating.
• Replace fluorescent lamps with LEDs and save 30% or more. Brighter LEDs encourage shoppers to handle and examine more merchandise.
• Add skylights to introduce natural light into your store. This can save energy and increase retail sales by 40%.**
• Turn off all lights in unoccupied spaces of the store.
• Install occupancy sensors in light customer foot-traffic areas such as fitting rooms and storage areas.
• Clean lighting fixtures regularly.

To see if your business qualifies for free energy efficiency upgrades visit the Commercial Direct Install Program (CDI) website or call 1-877-714-1254.

Plug Loads

• Buy ENERGY STAR-certified computers, TV monitors and display lighting.
• Centralize multifunction devices like printers and copiers.
• Use smart power strips to turn off copy machines and printers when not used for extended periods.
• Put timers on display lighting and TV monitors to save energy after store hours.
• Turn off demagnetizers, registers and computers overnight or when not in use.
• Enable computers' low-power "sleep mode" and save up to $50 per computer each year.
• Limit use of personal appliances such as fans, space heaters, stereos, mini-refrigerators and coffee makers.

The LADWP offers incentives for energy efficiency upgrades. For more information visit the LADWP Business Offerings for Sustainable Solutions (BOSS) website. If you have any questions, please email BOSS@ladwp.com or call 1-213-367-3436.

** Source: Heschong Mahone