How Energy Efficient Is Your Office?
The office may be among the largest users of energy in the home. Here are a few simple tips to help you be energy efficient in your office. #1 Plug...
The office may be among the largest users of energy in the home. Here are a few simple tips to help you be energy efficient in your office.
#1 Plug everything in the office into a power strip.
Computers, printers, recharging stations, radios or televisions and even your light fixtures can be connected to power strips. At the conclusion of each day or each working session, turn off your various electronics but also turn off the power strip.
This can conserve a tremendous amount of energy because many electronics continue to use energy even when they’ve been powered down. Switching off the power strip eliminates energy consumption when electronics are not in use. And only turning on the item when you need to use it will save you power also.
Furthermore, many power strips are surge protectors, which offers the electronics protection from powerful electrical surges which is often caused by lightening and other factors.
#2 Passive Solar & Wind Power
Passive solar is the practice of using the sun’s energy passively For example, you can use the sun’s power to heat your office in winter time by opening the drapes and letting the sun’s rays warm the office. In the summer you’d want to close the drapes to help your office remain cool.
The wind’s energy can also be used to cool your office in the summer by creating cross breezes. Keep the windows open on opposing sides of the office to produce a path for the air current to flow. As the air passes through the office it can help it remain cool.
Fans are also a great help and even though they usually run on electricity, they are more affordable cooling methods than air conditioning which could cost more than $500 a summer.
#3 Active Solar
There are numerous office products currently available that utilize solar cells to maximize the sun’s energy. You can buy laptop bags with solar cells to provide power to your laptop. You can buy solar recharging stations and recharge all of your electronics. You can also purchase solar powered electronics.
Lastly, reorganizing your office for maximum ventilation will help it stay cool in the summer. If you have containers piled and furnishings sitting on vents there won’t be any way for the cool air to flow into in the office. Clean house and minimize clutter for optimum power savings.
There are many ways to be more energy efficient in your office. Use the power of the sun and the wind for heating and cooling and be smart about turning off and on your electronics whenever you will need them. Use only as much as you’ll need.
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