You may be thinking, “if ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, but outdated office equipment can be a huge energy suck. And if you’re looking to save costs it might be time to modernize your equipment. Here are the four pieces of equipment that you may want to consider upgrading this year.
Copiers
Copy machines account for a significant portion of the energy consumed in an office. Costs associated with high energy consumption can be drastically reduced by simply switching to ENERGY-STAR certified models. ENERGY-STAR certified copiers are 30% more efficient than standard models. This buying guide also suggests setting your machine to sleep mode when not in use and to automatic double-sided copies to further reduce energy consumption.
Lighting
Upgrading your office lighting is one of the simplest ways to cut down your energy costs. By switching from incandescents and fluorescents to CFLs or LEDs you can realize instant savings in your utility bills. Installing dimmers or automated lighting controls are also a great way to manage your lighting’s energy use. Check out our blog to learn how to choose the best energy saving light bulb for your space.
Computers and Servers
Desktop PCs not only use between 66 – 75% more energy than laptops, they also take up a lot more space! Reducing your carbon footprint as well as the overall footprint in your office space will help you realize both cost savings and better operational efficiency. In addition, installing newer servers can minimize overall power consumption and put less strain on other hardware and distribution components.
HVAC
According to EIA.gov, your HVAC system accounts for 25% of your buildings energy consumption so while it may be a bit of an investment, installing a more energy efficient HVAC system is well worth the expense and can save you thousands in energy costs every year. Not only will you reap the benefits of cost and energy savings, but you will also find that the various system options available will help your building produce cleaner air. Check out the many technologies available in HVAC systems from WBDG.org.
For more ways to save on your office energy costs, contact us at www.brilliantsourceenergy.com.
