How You Can Pull the Plug on Energy Waste

Plug load energy waste can really cost your business. Options for reducing energy use include power management settings, advanced power strips, equipment upgrades and more.

Plug load electricity consumption is on the rise in commercial buildings, and much of that energy is going to waste. You can slash plug load energy use with these low-cost measures.

Get Some Sleep

Office equipment rarely gets used all of the time. When devices operate at full power all day long, however, you're wasting energy. Enable power management "sleep" settings in all computers and office equipment. That way, they use only a tiny amount of energy when idle, but they're still ready when you are.

Make a Better Connection

Supplement power management settings with advanced power strips or smart plugs that use timers, occupancy sensors or load sensors to power off connected devices. Timers reduce energy use at night and on weekends. Occupancy sensors shut off power when no one is present. Some models cut power to selected devices that are in sleep or idle mode.

Learn to Share

Do you really need a printer in every office? Printers and other imaging devices use a surprising amount of electricity. Today's computer networks make it easy to combine devices to share among multiple employees. You'll save on energy and maintenance costs and reduce paper waste, as well.

Don't Let It Get Personal

Personal appliances, such as mini-refrigerators and desk fans, often frustrate efforts to manage energy costs. They are inefficient and difficult to control. Take steps to discourage their use. Maintain indoor temperatures at a comfortable setting and provide adequate refrigerator space and kitchen appliances in a central break room.

Hit Refresh

Upgrade older office equipment to new ENERGY STAR®-certified models. ENERGY STAR office equipment and imaging products come with all the bells and whistles, such as power management settings, and they use less energy than standard models.

With these simple, low-cost measures, you can put a stop to energy waste and power down your operating budget.