Energy Efficiency: At Work

Office equipment like computers, computer monitors, printers, copiers, scanners, and fax machines - turn them all the way off when not using them. For example: isn't it nice when you hit the "start" key on a copy machine and a copy spits right out? But like all other "instant on" devices, copiers stay "warm" by burning energy.

Invest in systems or appliances with high energy efficiency ratings.

New equipment and appliances offer opportunities for improved energy efficiency. If there is an added cost for high efficiency equipment, be sure to factor in savings from lower energy operation costs over the life of the appliance. Here are some suggestions that provide a good return on your investment:

Install automatic, programmable, set-back thermostats to control both heating and cooling. Most offer flexible options that enable you to change settings for different days of the week, weekends and holidays.
Install occupancy sensors in hallways, bathrooms, meeting rooms, kitchens, storage rooms, and other areas where lights can be shut off for blocks of time.
Install photocells in outdoor entry, and security lighting to automatically sense outdoor lighting levels which turn on and off automatically.
Install light emitting diode (L.E.D.) exit signs in place of incandescent signs. L.E.D. signs last up to 15 times longer, and use much less energy.
If you lease equipment, insist on energy efficient models to lower your operating costs.

Change Energy Usage Behavior

Significant energy savings can be achieved by simply changing how you and your employees use energy. Some of the fastest and easiest ways to save money typically cost little or nothing. If all of these simple suggestions are implemented, you could reduce your energy costs considerably.

Turn off lights, computers, and other office equipment when they are not in use. Have a procedure to ensure these items are switched off overnight and on weekends. Consider installing reminder labels.
Lower your heater thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting when your business is occupied. Set the temperature back further when the business is unoccupied.
In warmer months, raise your air conditioner thermostat to the highest comfortable setting. There should be at least five degrees F between heating and cooling set points.
Set back or turn off heating or air conditioning, a little while before the end of your operating hours. (Remember to maintain some heating in winter to prevent pipes from freezing.)
Let the sunshine warm your office during colder months by opening drapes or blinds. Close them at night to retain heat.
Remember to turn off outside safety and security lighting at the start of each day.
Keep doors and windows closed to prevent heat loss during winter or loss of cool air in summer. However, you may wish to keep doors and windows open to provide ventilation, instead of using air conditioning in summer.

Routine Maintenance

Maintenance of energy-consuming equipment is critical to ensuring optimum energy efficiency. Many maintenance items do not require specialized training and can be done yourself. Here are some key items to incorporate into your business maintenance routine.

Check to be sure all automatic controls are set and operating correctly.
Clean all filters in your heating and cooling system monthly.
Check and regularly clean filters if you use exhaust fans.
Caulk or weatherstrip any drafty doors or windows.
Remove unneeded light bulbs or use lower wattage bulbs.
Replace incandescent light bulbs with screw-in energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs as appropriate.
Lower your water heater thermostat
Adjust outdoor lighting timer controls to accommodate daylight savings time changes, or install photocells to adjust automatically to changes in the season.

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