Simple switches in your business can mean instant savings for you, which will be worth their weight in energy efficiency stars!
Once you’ve addressed your habits and processes, the next stage is looking at how you improve the energy efficiency of your equipment. This can involve making small investments such as automation (sensors, timers, IOT control) for your lights, HVAC or other equipment or more significant investments including major upgrades to your equipment.
Here are our top five energy-efficient appliances your business needs.
FREEZE THE FRIDGE DRAIN
The work fridge is usually one of the hardest working appliances as it runs 24 hours a day. Rarely updated and doesn’t get much love outside of passive-aggressive food labelling systems. But did you know the trusty fridge could be draining your wallet? Some simple switches include keeping the freezer full but give the fridge some breathing space. A full freezer will keep food frozen if a blackout occurs and keeping the fridge about 70% full allows air to circulate, keeping food fresh and only allowing 30% of the air to leak out when the door opens. Next thing to check is if the seal needs replacing. If you are noticing condensation outside of the fridge, you need to fix the seal. Doors not properly sealing are the most popular energy drain for fridges.
SWITCH TO SMART POWER STRIPS
Switch to smart power strips. “Phantom loads,” or the electricity used by electronics when they are turned off or in standby mode, are a major source of energy waste. In fact, it is estimated that 75% of the energy used to power household electronics is consumed when they are switched off, which can cost you up to $200 per year. How many more devices do you have on standby in your business? Smart power strips, also known as advanced power strips, eliminate the problem of phantom loads by shutting off the power to electronics when they are not in use. Smart power strips can be set to turn off at an assigned time, during a period of inactivity, through remote switches, or based on the status of a “master” device. Are you the last one out every day turning everything off?
POWER OUTSIDE OF PEAK DEMAND
Does your business need to run heavy equipment? Do you have operations that could run at any time? Consider changing up work hours for the operation of these machines to make the most of lower rate off-peak hours. Do you know your running costs and how to tell if things are operating at the wrong times?
MOVE FROM DESKTOP TO LAPTOP
Did you know laptops consume up to 90% less energy than desktop computers? Make the switch to this energy-saving technology, while allowing for more freedom on where and when you and your teamwork. If you need a larger screen, connect your laptop to an Energy-Star certified monitor.
UPGRADE YOUR SYSTEMS
Update your heating and cooling systems. If your old air conditioner or heater is not working at maximum efficiency, it could cost you money and use a lot of unnecessary power. By replacing air conditioners and heaters that are more than 10 years old, you can save up to 40% of your annual heating and cooling energy costs.