Tips for Conserving Energy at the Workplace

In 1900, the earth had about 1.6 billion people. Today, there are over 6 billion people. Each of these people needs to use energy, and a way has to be found to meet this demand. It is easy to imagine that man can produce more energy. But the sources of this energy are slowly being depleted. Also, more power means more pollution. This is the reason Sentry Energy Production LLC is recommending the following tips to help conserve energy in the workplace.

1. Upgrade your equipment

Certain models of copy machines, printers, computers and other types of office equipment can consume between 60 and 90 percent more energy compared to energy-efficient models.

• Change your office equipment to equipment that have the “Energy Star” logo. These ensure that all equipment are designed specifically to reduce and save costs on energy consumption
• Use laptop computers instead of desktop computers, and inkjet printers instead of laser printers to save up to 90 percent more energy

2. At the end of every workday, turn off your electronic equipment

Plug all your electronic equipment into one power strip and turn it off every night. Electronics such as copy machines and computers will continue to consume energy as long as they are plugged into power although they have been turned off.

3. Enable the sleep modes and hibernation on your computers

Doing this enables your computers to save energy when you take short breaks or go to meetings without turning the equipment off. Thus, on Windows computers, change the power settings in the Control Panel, while, on Apple computers, you can modify them in the System Preferences menu.

4. Use natural sunlight

If your office is designed to receive sufficient sunlight, you can turn off the lights completely for most of your workday.

• Remove or trim bushes and trees near your windows to improve your exposure to sunlight and prevent shadows
• Paint your office walls white or another light shade to enhance the effect of the natural sunlight in your office space

5. Install weather strips around windows and doors

Doing this prevents air from escaping from the office when the heater or air conditioner is running. This is especially important for offices situated in areas with severe weather.

6. Clean and repair the heating, venting and air conditioning (HVAC) in your office regularly

A clean and functional HVAC system will help reduce your energy consumption. But faulty or dirty HVAC systems will overwork to heat or cool your room. Also, clean all condensers, coils, evaporators, and heat exchange surfaces at least once in a month. Sometimes, you may have to hire a professional HVAC contractor to perform these tasks for you in a safe and efficient way.

7. Modify the office temperature when not in use

During weekends and after working hours, you can save energy by increasing the thermostat temperature during hot weather, or by lowering the temperature during cold weather.

• Before leaving your office during summers, increase the temperature to above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6 degrees Celsius)
• Before leaving the office during winter months, set the temperature to about 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius)

Using more energy means more energy sources being depleted. Use the above tips to save energy in your workplace. They will go a long way in reducing your monthly expenditure on energy bills.