 May in San Diego brings brighter days, warmer afternoons and the early signs of summer. For businesses, it’s a key month to fine-tune energy use before cooling demand ramps up. If your business already follows standard energy-saving practices, these five seasonal tips may help reduce energy use and manage costs as temperatures rise.
1. Adjust cooling schedules to match real building use Many commercial buildings cool spaces earlier and longer than needed. Review HVAC schedules to ensure they align with actual occupancy – especially in shared offices, retail spaces or hybrid workplaces. Delaying morning cooling start times or reducing cooling during slow periods can cut unnecessary energy use without sacrificing comfort. 2. Use cooler outdoor air when weather allows. San Diego’s mild May weather can work in your favor. During cooler mornings or evenings, let fresh outdoor air into your building and reduce air conditioning when possible. Using outside air instead of constant cooling can lower energy use while keeping employees and customers comfortable. 3. Tune up elevators, escalators and common-area equipment For larger buildings, common-area systems can be major energy users. May is a good time to: • Adjust elevator and escalator sleep modes • Check lighting levels in lobbies and parking structures • Reduce runtime for decorative or nonessential equipmentSmall efficiency tweaks across shared systems can deliver meaningful savings. 4. Optimize plug loads before summer demand peaks Office and commercial equipment – servers, monitors, breakroom appliances – draw power all day, often unnecessarily. Use smart power strips or centralized controls to power down equipment during evenings, weekends or low-use hours. Reducing plug load now helps prevent higher peak demand costs later in the summer. 5. Schedule preventive maintenance early Before summer heat arrives, inspect HVAC systems, motors, pumps and building controls. Catching worn belts, clogged filters or faulty sensors in May can prevent inefficiencies during peak cooling months and reduce the risk of emergency repairs when energy demand is highest. Visit sdge.com/MyBusiness for more energy-saving tips, tools and programs designed for your business. Actual savings obtained in each instance may vary and will depend on various factors, including geographic location, weather conditions, equipment installed, usage rates and so forth. Completing multiple energy-saving measures will not necessarily result in cumulative savings.  Oceanside residents can drop off their household hazardous waste twice a month by appointment only on Saturdays at Waste Management’s HHW Facility located at 2880 Industry Street. Seniors or disabled customers can make a reservation for a free home collection of HHW. Whether you are eligible for home collection or want to drop off, make sure to call (760) 439-2824.
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