10 Things You Can Do to Save Energy at Work

Saving energy at the work place is both beneficial to the earth and overall, your paycheck. The less money spent on heating, cooling, and anything electrical can mean a higher amount can be applied to the workers paychecks and overall happiness. Here is a list that will help cut costs and save energy at work.

1) Replace lights with fluorescent bulbs when it comes to desk overhead lights. Using compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent lights will reduced at least 50% on lighting costs. Fluorescent bulbs last longer than incandescent bulbs do and use a quarter of energy.

2) Keep all unused lights off. Using dimmers and sensors that automatically turn on or off any unused lighting will reduce energy costs by 10% or more. Also when leaving, make sure all lights are off at night.

3) Natural light is free and also produces chemicals that promote happiness over an extended period of time. Lights next to windows are pointless and can cause clutter, so only use them when working late at night.

4) Try to focus lights on work areas instead of the whole room. This is called "task lighting" and will help businesses even if the employee number is low. The use of Energy Star Products is another great way to keep costs down without losing quality.

5) Using overhangs and blinds during the summer will help with cooling costs and cut down on the use of air conditioners or swamp coolers. In winter, open blinds so the sun can heat the workspace. Doing the reverse at night will prevent at least 50% on loss of heat.

6) Leaving equipment unplugged overnight or when not in use, will keep them from draining energy. Things such as computers, monitors, photocopiers, printers, and fax machines will drain energy even if they are star rated. Also when buying a new copier, fax machine or printer, make sure they have a power feature by means of standby or management.

7) Turning off lights in vending machines and other advertising lights will keep energy at a low cost and help keep intruders out. By also having an energy audit conducted for the work place, will help put into perspective out how much energy can be saved and is being used.

8) Remember to change out filters at least once a month for furnaces. Checking the furnace for leaks will also help with the reduction of use during the cooler months. Also by making sure furnaces and water heaters are well insulated will help cut costs by at least 15%.

9) The EPA and Energy Star websites give out monthly listings on what a business and residence can do to save energy. Many of these tips come from other businesses and organizations devoted on saving energy.

10) When keeping track of electrical and fuel costs, remember to save the bills so you can identify which costs will need to be the main concern as to cut costs and finding ways to conserve energy.

Taking these steps will reduce costs overall and give both the workers and owners a new sense of pride when it comes to saving energy at the work place.