Energy saving advice for manufacturing businesses

Heating and insulation

• Capture excess heat from machinery or production lines and redirect it to heat your factory using heat recovery systems.
• Regularly inspect and service boilers and heating systems to ensure they are operating at peak efficiency.
• Properly insulate boilers, pipes and valves to minimise heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
• Install insulated strip curtains to create an extra layer of protection between the outside and the workspace, minimising heat loss and draughts.
• Apply heat-reflective coatings to walls and ceilings to retain warmth and reduce the need for additional heating.

Factory and workshop lighting

• Install task lighting in work areas to focus light where needed, reducing the need for overhead lights.
• Install dimmer switches to reduce lighting energy use, especially during quieter hours or when natural light is available. Just make sure your bulbs are dimmable and compatible - some LEDs and CFLs may require specific dimmer types for optimal efficiency.
• Divide the factory into lighting zones so only areas in use are lit, reducing energy waste in unoccupied spaces.
• Switch to energy-efficient bulbs wherever possible - they use less power and last longer.
• Set a schedule to turn lights on or off at specific times, ensuring they’re only used when necessary.

Equipment optimisation

• Set motors to lower speeds during periods of low demand to reduce energy consumption.
• Schedule routine maintenance to clean, lubricate and check for wear and tear to keep motors running efficiently.
• Use motor performance monitoring systems to track energy usage and identify inefficiencies or underperformance.
• Minimise idle compressor use to reduce lifecycle costs - energy consumption can make up as much as 70% of the total lifecycle cost of a compressed air system. Switching off compressors when not in use helps cut unnecessary energy spend and improves overall efficiency.
• Conduct regular leak audits and repair leaks promptly to prevent energy loss, as leaks are a large cause of wasted energy.
• To cut costs, consider shifting energy-intensive tasks - like baking, machining or heating to off-peak hours. Energy tariffs are often lower during these times, making it a smart way to reduce your bills without changing how you work.
• Train staff on energy-saving habits, include energy efficiency in inductions and regular training. Encourage behaviors like switching off equipment and using machines efficiently, supported by reminder signs around the factory.

Saving energy in your manufacturing business is a smart way to cut costs and boost efficiency. Small changes like optimising heating, improving insulation, and upgrading equipment can reduce waste and lower expenses. For more practical advice, take a look at our helpful tips for more energy saving advice.

Track and optimise with smart tools

Installing a smart meter gives you real-time visibility into your energy usage, helping you spot inefficiencies and reduce waste. 

To see how other businesses are making energy efficiency work for them, check out Rodeo Doughnuts and how their smart meter is helping them save time and be more energy efficient.  

Another way you could save your manufacturing business money is making sure you're on the right tariff. Firstly understand the right tariff type for your business, read our blog on how to compare tariffs, then you can get a no obligation quote in just 60 seconds here. Remember with EDF you get our cheapest prices direct!