Gas costs can be one of those quiet overheads that sneak up on a business. Whether you run a small office, a busy workshop or a customer-facing space, keeping it warm and functional isn’t cheap, especially in the colder months. Still, there are practical ways to ease the pressure without compromising on comfort or efficiency. The trick lies in making smarter choices, not drastic changes.
Start by Checking Your Current Tariff
It’s surprisingly common for businesses to be paying more than they should simply because they haven’t reviewed their energy contract in a while. Many end up on standard or rollover rates once their deal ends, which are often far from competitive. If you’ve not checked your tariff recently, it’s worth seeing what else is out there.
Even if you’re mid-contract, it’s possible to line up a better deal ahead of time, so you’re ready when your current terms run out. You don’t always have to make the switch alone, either. Energy consultants or business gas comparison sites can do most of the legwork, helping you understand the options clearly.
Fixed-rate deals are often a safe bet for businesses with consistent usage, offering stability when energy prices start to climb. On the other hand, if your consumption varies with the seasons or workload, a variable rate might suit you better. The key is making a conscious choice, not just sticking with the default.
Get to Grips with How You Use Gas
Knowing when and how your business uses gas is just as important as the rate you’re paying for it. This doesn’t mean monitoring every degree on the thermostat, but getting a general understanding of usage patterns can make a big difference.
Start by checking your readings, not just the bills, but the actual numbers. If you’re billed on estimates, there’s a good chance you’re paying too much or too little. Smart meters are increasingly common and can give you a clearer picture of what’s going on day to day.
Heating is usually the main culprit when it comes to gas consumption, so that’s a good place to focus. Are the heaters on when no one’s around? Are the settings appropriate for the time of day and the type of space? Even something as simple as turning off radiators in rooms that aren’t being used can make a noticeable dent in your monthly costs.
Make Small Tweaks for Better Efficiency
Cutting costs doesn’t have to mean making big sacrifices. Often, it’s the smaller adjustments that add up over time. Installing a programmable thermostat, for example, gives you more control over when the heating comes on and goes off, so you’re not warming an empty building overnight or at weekends.
Insulation is another area worth considering, especially if your premises are a bit older. Heat escapes quickly through poorly insulated walls, windows and doors. Fixing that might sound like a job for later, but even small steps, like sealing gaps or using thermal curtains, can improve heat retention and reduce your gas use.
It’s also a good idea to keep your boiler in good condition. A yearly service doesn’t just help avoid breakdowns, it keeps the system running efficiently too. Over time, that can make a real difference to your bills.
By staying aware of your contract, your usage and your building’s condition, you can start to bring your gas costs down without having to cut corners. These are all manageable changes, but together they can help your business run more efficiently, and keep your energy bills under control.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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