Saving Advice Office Equipment & Gas Appliances
Saving Advice Office Equipment & Gas Appliances
Electrical appliances such as computers and IT equipment, photocopiers and office machines typically account for 15% of electricity used in UK offices. The growth in IT equipment means electricity use is increasing, despite newer appliances being more efficient. Gas appliances may offer lower running costs for heating but should be serviced regularly and require a fresh air supply to operate safely. Computer equipment is often left on or in idling mode for long periods of time. An awareness campaign would let staff know which equipment can be switched off and which must remain on and should save around 15% per year.
Key Measures
- Switch off equipment when not in use if possible
- Configure the energy saving features of IT equipment
- Select new equipment that is "energy star" compliant or similar
- Consider fitting time switches to turn off equipment at night
- Consider energy efficiency in new equipment costing
- Avoid using supplementary electric heaters
Practical Tips
Ensure that staff are responsible for switching off their computers and other equipment before leaving the building. Enable the energy management facilities on computers to put monitors and disc drives into low power standby mode when inactive. Most computers allow a specified time delay before power down - choose to suit user convenience. In most cases this will increase equipment life, reduce power consumption by up to 80%, reduce office heat gain and should not affect computer networks.
Photocopiers, laser printers and many hot drink vending machines include heaters to keep the appliance near operating level to save time. An inexpensive time-switch to shut the machines down overnight can save up to 75% on energy over the whole year, yet leave the machines ready to use in office hours. Well-insulated water boilers allow exact cupfuls of water to be dispensed offering improved safety and significant energy savings over kettles.
Ask the supplier about energy consumption when leasing or buying new equipment. Although gas heating equipment may require more frequent service, the fuel cost is often significantly less for most daytime heating applications.
Gas catering equipment may offer significant fuel cost savings over similar electrical appliances. Similarly, discuss cold areas of the building with staff and upgrade main heating system if needed, to avoid the use of portable electric heaters. Industrial buildings with cold spots may be locally heated with gas fired infra-red plaque heaters at low cost.
Further information on office equipment & gas appliances
- Many electrical retailers display energy labels on equipment showing typical energy consumption in use. Ask manufacturers about power saving or standby facilities.
- The Market Transformation Programme contains a database of power consumption for many electrical appliances. See www.mtprog.com