As a salon owner, you may not realize it, but the appliances and equipment you use in your salon are likely some of the most energy-consuming items in your business. From hairdryers to water heaters, the energy usage of your salon can add up quickly and significantly impact your energy bills. In fact, according to research, the average hair salon spends around £13,600 per year on energy costs alone.
The shocking truth is that the beauty industry’s energy use is a significant contributor to our carbon footprint. However, there are ways to reduce your salon’s energy consumption and save money on your electricity bill. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the most energy-consuming appliances in your salon and explore some tips for making your salon more energy-efficient.
What are the biggest energy users in your salon?
Hair dryers:
Hair dryers are one of the most energy-intensive appliances used in salons, with power consumption ranging from 1.2 kW to 2 kW, depending on the model.
They are typically used for extended periods of time, making them a major contributor to a salon’s energy usage. To reduce energy consumption, salons can opt for energy-efficient hair dryers with lower wattage, or encourage clients to air dry their hair whenever possible.
Straighteners:
Hair straighteners, also known as flat irons, can consume between 30 and 75 watts of power, depending on the model.
While they typically have a shorter usage time than hair dryers, they can still contribute to a salon’s overall energy consumption. To reduce energy usage, salons can opt for straighteners with lower wattage, or encourage clients to embrace their natural hair texture.
Curling irons:
Curling irons typically use between 20 and 50 watts of power. Like straighteners, they are often used for shorter periods of time than hair dryers, but can still add up over the course of a day. Salons can reduce energy consumption by choosing curling irons with lower wattage or by encouraging clients to use heatless styling methods.
Lighting:
Lighting is an often-overlooked source of energy consumption in salons. The type of bulbs used can make a big difference in energy usage – LED bulbs are much more energy-efficient than incandescent or fluorescent bulbs.
This accounts for about 20% of a businesses’ annual energy bill.
Salons can also reduce energy usage by using motion-sensing switches to turn lights on and off automatically when needed.
HVAC systems:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are essential for maintaining a comfortable salon environment, but they can also consume a significant amount of energy.
Average small business energy consumption is between 15000 and 25000 kWh a year, and according to a report by the Carbon Trust, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are responsible for approximately 60% of this.
Salons can reduce energy consumption by properly maintaining their HVAC systems, including regular cleaning and filter changes, and adjusting the temperature to an appropriate level. Additionally, salons can invest in energy-efficient HVAC systems, such as those with variable speed motors and programmable thermostats.
How can my salon lower their energy bill and adopt more energy-efficient measures?
The appliances and equipment you use in your salon have a significant impact on your energy consumption. By making small changes in the way you operate, you can reduce your salon’s energy usage and save money on your electricity bill. Here are some tips for reducing your salon’s energy consumption:
Consider zoning your salon into different areas and adjusting the heating and lighting in each zone accordingly. For instance, areas that are not currently in use may not require heating or lighting. By doing so, you can optimize energy usage and reduce unnecessary energy consumption, which can help you to save on energy bills while also minimizing your salon’s carbon footprint.
- Use Green Focused Products: With the rising popularity of green lifestyles, customers are increasingly interested in whether salons have adopted eco-friendly practices and products. By doing so, salons can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also attract customers at a similar pace. If you’re uncertain about how to begin, consider looking for reputable brands with ecolabel certifications on their packaging. Opting for recyclable containers is also a good idea as it helps with proper disposal. In addition to using professional-grade eco-friendly products, offering green products for sale directly to customers is another effective way to demonstrate your commitment to environmental initiatives. This can also help draw in customers who share similar values.
- Turn off appliances when not in use: Unplug appliances and equipment when not in use, including electric clipper chargers and appliances in standby mode.
- Service your equipment regularly: Servicing your equipment regularly can help ensure it is operating at peak efficiency and using less energy.
- Be mindful about waste: One of the major environmental hurdles that salons and spas encounter is the issue of beauty waste. The beauty industry generates a staggering amount of waste every minute, which includes hair clippings, color tubes, foils, and aerosol cans, totaling approximately 877 pounds. Despite a salon’s best efforts to adopt sustainable practices, it can still be a challenge to dispose of everything in an eco-friendly manner.
- Reduce water usage: Use biodegradable towels instead of cotton towels and install water-saving devices on your taps and showerheads to reduce your water usage.
- Use renewable energy: Consider switching to a supplier that offers renewable energy to power your salon.
- Use sustainable salon software: Use salon software that helps you manage your salon’s energy usage and tracks your impact on the environment.
By implementing these changes, you’ll save energy and money on your electricity bills. Making these changes to your salon’s energy usage will not only reduce your carbon footprint but also benefit your clients and staff. Energy conservation and sustainable practices are becoming more and more important to consumers, and a sustainable salon business plan can help attract and retain environmentally conscious clients.