How To Be More Energy-Efficient In Your Office
Posted: September 7, 2010 – 8:03 pmYour office may be one of the largest consumers of energy in your home. Here are a few simple ideas to help you be more energy efficient in the office.
#1 Plug everything in your 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 end of every day or every working session, turn off your different electronics but also turn off the power strip.
This will conserve a significant amount of energy because several electronics continue using energy even when they have been powered down. Turning off the power strip eliminates energy usage when the electronics are not in use. And only turning on the item when you need to use it saves power too.
Furthermore, some power strips are surge protectors, which offers your electronics protection from powerful electrical surges which is often caused by lightening and other factors.
#2 Passive Solar & Wind Power
Passive solar is the technique of using the sun’s power passively For instance, you can use the sun’s power to heat your office in the winter time by opening the drapes and allowing the sun’s rays heat the office. In the summer you would want to close the drapes to help your office remain cool.
The wind’s power could also be used to cool the office in the summer by creating cross breezes. Keep the windows open on opposing sides of the office to create a path for the air current to flow. As the air passes through your office it will help it stay cool.
Fans are also a great help although they usually run on electricity, they’re more cost effective cooling methods than air conditioning which could cost more than $500 a summer.
#3 Active Solar
There are numerous office products on the market today that use solar cells to maximize the sun’s energy. You can buy laptop bags with solar cells to power your laptop. You can purchase solar recharging stations and recharge all your electronics. You can also buy solar powered electronics.
Finally, reorganizing the office for maximum air flow will help it remain cool in the summer. If you have containers stacked and furnishings sitting over vents there will be no means for the cool air to flow into in your office. House clean and reduce clutter for maximum energy savings.
There are many methods to be more power effective in your office. Utilize the power of the sun and the wind for heating and cooling and be wise about switching on and off your electronics whenever you will need them. Use just as much as you’ll need.
Looking to find the best solar energy information, then visit www.solar-energy-information.org to learn the facts about solar energy.
