More and more people are working from home offices now. While this may save time and money on commuting, it can lead to increases in home energy costs.
Multi-Function or All-In-One Devices
- Multi-function or All-in-One devices combine multiple functions such as print, copy, fax and scan, to save both space and energy.
- Look for devices that are ENERGY STAR certified.
- Enable power management features for additional savings.
- Turn power off when not in use.
Power Adapters
- Unplug power adapters and battery chargers when equipment is fully charged or disconnected from them.
Power Strip
- Use a power strip to control power to all your electrical equipment.
- Learn more:
- Even while turned off, electronic and IT equipment continue to use a small amount of electricity.
- U.S. households spend approximately $100 a year powering devices set on standby modes, accounting for nearly 8% of the total household electricity costs.
- Using a power strip for all your electrical devices saves on electricity costs by eliminating standby power consumption.
Computer/Monitor
- Look for ENERGY STAR certified home office equipment, as they use less energy without sacrificing performance.
- Enable power management features on your computer and monitor.
- Learn more:
- Since most home office equipment is on 24 hours a day, set them to automatically switch to sleep mode in order to conserve energy.
- By automatically switching to sleep mode, electronic equipment will run cooler, last longer and help you save on air conditioning costs as well.
- Reduce costs by turning off your computer monitor when not in use or switching it to sleep mode, instead of using a screensaver.
- Turn off fax machines, printers, scanners, etc., when not in use.
Desk Lamp
- Use ENERGY STAR certified fixtures and light bulbs.
- Turn off all lights when leaving the room.
- Learn more:
- Home office lights are often used for many hours a day, so switch to ENERGY STAR certified desk lamps or compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to conserve energy.
- CFLs provide high quality light, use 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs.
- ENERGY STAR certified lighting options could help reduce your energy bills and replacement costs.
Air Register
- Ensure vent connections and registers are well sealed at floors, walls and ceilings, which are all common areas for disconnected ducts and leakage.
- Make sure all vents are clear of furniture and rugs, in order to improve airflow and comfort.
- Install heat resistant reflectors between radiators and walls to reflect heat back into the room instead of onto walls.
Outlet
- Unplug any battery chargers or power adapters when not in use.
- Use inexpensive outlet gaskets to seal any holes around outlets.