How to Cut Natural Gas Costs in Your Manufacturing Facility
Natural gas: it’s a major energy source in many manufacturing operations and also a major expense. But don’t worry, there’s good news! There are some pretty straightforward ways to use less and in turn, save more. Here are five practical tips to help lower your natural gas bills without disrupting your entire operation:
Start with an Energy Audit
An energy audit is a check-up for your facility. A professional audit will show you where you’re using the most gas, so you can focus your efforts on where they’ll make the biggest impact. You can learn more about the benefits of an energy audit by clicking here.
Upgrade Old Equipment
Just because it works “good enough,” doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. If you’re still running on old boilers or heaters, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Newer, high-efficiency models use way less gas and essentially pay for themselves over time.
Stay on Top of Maintenance
Dirty burners, leaky pipes, and misaligned sensors all make your equipment work much harder than it needs to. Regular tune-ups keep everything running smoothly and efficiently.
Negotiate Better Gas Rates
Just because a price is given, doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate. Energy suppliers are competitive. So by using a company that specializes in gas/energy procurement you can lock in rates and protect yourself from market fluctuations.
Train Staff in Energy Practices
Your team is your lifeline, as they play a vital role in managing energy usage. You’d be surprised what changes can be instantly made from simple education or training on matters such as operating procedures, reporting issues, and turning off equipment while not in use.
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Moral of the story: reducing natural gas costs in your manufacturing facility doesn’t require massive overhauls. A combination of small upgrades, ongoing maintenance, and smarter operations can yield significant savings without sacrificing performance.