Saving on Electricity Costs

Saving on Electricity Costs

Simple actions to use energy more efficiently

• Replace standard light globes with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Replace overhead lights with fluorescent tubes – these cost more to install, but last about 10 times longer than standard lamps and are 70% more efficient. If you schedule replacement of fluorescent tubes before they wear out, you can maximise efficiency.
• Make sure lights are turned off when not in use (e.g. if leaving the room for more than 5 minutes if using standard light globes). Put up signs on all exit doors reminding staff to switch off lights before leaving.
• Install technology to ensure lights are off when not needed, e.g. timed switches, programmable lighting controllers, automatic switches that respond to light sensors or movement sensors, locked switches for areas that rarely require lighting during normal working hours (subject to safety considerations and special needs).

• Set computer monitors to switch off after a period of inactivity instead of switching to screen-saver mode.
• Check that photocopiers are set up for optimal energy efficiency and use ‘energy saver’ or standby mode when not in use.
• If you are replacing any equipment or hardware, choose options with energy-saving features e.g. sleep mode, high star rating.
• Use plug-in timers on any equipment that will use energy when left on unnecessarily.
• Instead of using the remote control, turn off media equipment (e.g. DVD players, VCRs, TVs) at the switch, or the outlet, when not in use – standby mode wastes energy.
• At the end of each working day, switch off all computers, printers and other equipment.
• Make a clear checklist of equipment to be turned off during holiday periods, e.g. printers, copiers, air conditioners, computers, lights, water chilling or heating units, chargers and any equipment in standby mode. (Equipment to leave on would include security and fire alarm systems, exit and emergency lighting, servers, PABX machines)

• Use zone function on air conditioners to avoid heating or cooling rooms not in use. Close off unused rooms where zone function is not available e.g. within zones.
• Regularly adjust the thermostat to avoid cooling or heating more than necessary for the season and climate (e.g. 18°C in winter and 23°C in summer) – programmable thermostats can help you save around one-fifth of heating and cooling costs. Use fresh air whenever this will help adjust the room temperature more efficiently than the air conditioner.
• Run air conditioning only for the optimal period to suit your staff’s use of the building.
• Seal off any areas that don’t need to be heated or cooled, e.g. toilets, storage rooms and passageways.
• In factories and warehouses, fit large doors with seals to prevent heat loss in winter or unwanted hot air from outdoors in summer.
• Cut down the amount of cooling you need by installing blinds or shading to prevent direct sunlight over-heating rooms in summer.

Services to help you use energy more efficiently