Saving Energy for Home-Based Folks
Working from home brings a lot benefits. It saves
you from commute and dressing up everyday, it gives you time for those
extra minutes of sleep and it lets you work during your most convenient
hours. But working from home may also increase your energy bills -
unless you carefully choose your office equipment and do some energy
saving measures.
Buy energy efficient office equipment – computers, fax machines,
scanners, printers, monitors and multifunction devices (scanner, copier,
fax). Some ENERGY STAR office equipment can save as much as 90% of the
standard energy consumption.
Most ENERGY STAR office equipments consume 50% less energy than standard
ones. Aside from energy saving advantage, some office equipments reduce
electromagnetic field emissions (for monitors), air-conditioning loads,
and noise from transformers and fans.
An ENERGY STAR computer is 70% more energy efficient than computers
without this designation. When left inactive, this computer shifts into
a low-power mode, which only uses 15 watts of power or less.
Some office equipment that does not have to be turned on all the time
should be shut down and unplugged because they still draw power when
turned off.
Unplugging unused electronic devices is not limited to office
equipments; unplug your television, VCRs, stereos, microwave oven,
electric stove and other appliances when not in use.
Do not leave other appliances turned on while working. Avoid leaving
unused appliances on "standby" mode.
Turn off the computer monitor if you are going for a break. Manually
turn off your computer if you are leaving for an hour or more. Avoid
using screensavers because they consume the same amount of energy as
with normal computer use. Activating the computer's sleep mode is also a
better way to save energy.
Do not believe that office equipment should always be turned on because
it will last longer. Practicing this belief may only result to higher
electric bill.
On your next upgrade, consider buying a laptop as a computer replacement
as they consume less energy than desktop computers.
When the battery chargers are not in use or if the batteries are fully
charged, unplug the charger immediately.
Set up your home office so you can utilize the natural light to minimize
the use of lamps and room lights.
If you are working at night, prefer task lights that consume less energy
instead of using room lights. Close the drapes and shades of the windows
to keep cold air out and save energy on heating the room.
If you are alone in the house, make sure that you lock all the doors and
windows before working.
Set the thermostat of your cooling or heating system to a comfortable
level. A digital thermostat can provide better electricity savings. Work
where you can reduce the use of heating or cooling system and lights.
Prefer a small room as an office rather than the entire living area.
Always maintain your air conditioning system clean.
Make energy saving improvements to your home. Home energy saving
improvements like insulation, repairing of crack and holes (on the
windows, walls, ceiling, floors, attic and basement) and switching to
compact fluorescent bulbs can bring down your electric bills.
Not only that, if you are planning to sell your home, making your home
energy efficient is a good strategy.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters, portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop online at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. We offer
a great selection online at the lowest prices anywhere. We can also be
found on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube