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Aug 5, 2012

More and more people are working from home offices now. While this may save time and money on commuting, it can lead to increases in home energy costs.

Multi-Function or All-In-One Devices

  • Multi-function or All-in-One devices combine multiple functions such as print, copy, fax and scan, to save both space and energy.
  • Look for devices that are ENERGY STAR certified.
  • Enable power management features for additional savings.
  • Turn power off when not in use.

Pledge to purchase ENERGY STAR certified home office equipment.

Power Adapters

  • Unplug power adapters and battery chargers when equipment is fully charged or disconnected from them.

Power Strip

  • Use a power strip to control power to all your electrical equipment.
  • Learn more:
    • Even while turned off, electronic and IT equipment continue to use a small amount of electricity.
    • U.S. households spend approximately $100 a year powering devices set on standby modes, accounting for nearly 8% of the total household electricity costs.
    • Using a power strip for all your electrical devices saves on electricity costs by eliminating standby power consumption.

Computer/Monitor

  • Look for ENERGY STAR certified home office equipment, as they use less energy without sacrificing performance.
  • Enable power management features on your computer and monitor.
  • Learn more:
    • Since most home office equipment is on 24 hours a day, set them to automatically switch to sleep mode in order to conserve energy.
    • By automatically switching to sleep mode, electronic equipment will run cooler, last longer and help you save on air conditioning costs as well.
    • Reduce costs by turning off your computer monitor when not in use or switching it to sleep mode, instead of using a screensaver.
    • Turn off fax machines, printers, scanners, etc., when not in use.
    • Watch the ENERGY STAR in Your Office video to learn how ENERGY STAR certified office equipment could save you energy and money, while helping to protect the environment.

Desk Lamp

  • Use ENERGY STAR certified fixtures and light bulbs.
  • Turn off all lights when leaving the room.
  • Learn more:
    • Home office lights are often used for many hours a day, so switch to ENERGY STAR certified desk lamps or compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to conserve energy.
    • CFLs provide high quality light, use 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs.
    • ENERGY STAR certified lighting options could help reduce your energy bills and replacement costs.

Pledge to replace your current light fixtures and bulbs with ENERGY STAR certified ones.

Air Register

  • Ensure vent connections and registers are well sealed at floors, walls and ceilings, which are all common areas for disconnected ducts and leakage.
  • Make sure all vents are clear of furniture and rugs, in order to improve airflow and comfort.
  • Install heat resistant reflectors between radiators and walls to reflect heat back into the room instead of onto walls.

Outlet

  • Unplug any battery chargers or power adapters when not in use.
  • Use inexpensive outlet gaskets to seal any holes around outlets.