How Energy Efficient Is Your Office? (Ben Jerry)
Sep 1, 2010
The office may be one of the major consumers of energy in the home. Here are some easy tips to help you be energy efficient in your office.
#1 Plug everything in the office into a power strip.
Computers, printers, recharging stations, radios or televisions and even your light fixtures can be connected to power strips. At the conclusion of each day or each working session, turn off your various electronics but also turn off the power strip.
This can conserve a significant amount of energy since many electronics continue using power even when they've been powered down. Turning off the power strip eliminates energy consumption when the electronics are not in use. And only turning on the item when you have to use it saves power too.
Additionally, some power strips are surge protectors, which offers the electronics protection against powerful electrical surges which can be caused by lightening and other factors.
#2 Passive Solar & Wind Energy
Passive solar is the technique of using the sun's energy passively For example, you can utilize the sun's energy to warm the office in the winter time by opening the curtains and letting the sun's rays heat your office. In the summertime you'd want to close the drapes to help your office remain cool.
The wind's power can also be used to cool the office in the summertime by producing cross breezes. Open windows on opposing sides of the office to produce a path for the air current to flow. As the air passes through your office it can help it stay cool.
Fans are also a great help although they generally run on electricity, they are more cost effective cooling methods than air conditioning which could cost more than $500 a summer.
#3 Active Solar
There are numerous office products currently available that utilize solar cells to maximize the sun's energy. You can buy laptop bags with solar cells to provide power to your laptop. You can buy solar recharging stations and recharge all of your electronics. You can also purchase solar powered electronics.
Lastly, reorganizing your office for maximum ventilation will help it stay cool in the summer. If you have containers piled and furnishings sitting on vents there won't be any way for the cool air to flow into in the office. Clean house and minimize clutter for optimum power savings.
There are numerous ways to become more power effective in your office. Utilize the power of the sun and the wind for cooling and heating and become wise about switching off and on the electronics when you will need them. Utilize just as much as you need.
About the AuthorLearn more facts about solar energy. Stop by Ben Jerry's site where you can find out all about why is solar energy important..