Tag Archives: energy cost

Energy Saving Lighting

Simple Ways To Go Green And Save Money

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Too often we think that “Going Green” means spending more money. Energy efficient products are often more expensive on the front end, and even if we know we save big in the long run, it can be hard to pay that initial expense.

There’s always going to be energy waste at some businesses, but there are ways to bring it under control and save money in the meantime.

Buy Remanufactured Ink and Toner Cartridges

Remanufactured cartridges save about 2.5 pounds of plastic and metal, keeping it out of landfills. It’s also estimated that each one saves about a gallon of oil, which is used during manufacturing.

More importantly, they cost about 15% less than new cartridges, making your supply budget go that much further.

Be Picky About Which Machines You Use

Whenever possible, use machines that serve more than one purpose. Each piece of office equipment produces tons of toxic substances during manufacturing and disposal. When you use one machine for copying, printing, scanning, and faxing, you’ve saved quite a bit of money and toxic waste.

Also look for Energy Star qualified electronics. These might be a little pricier, but they will save you in energy costs over time.

Pay Attention to Lighting

Lighting is one of the simplest ways to save on energy costs, as well as make your office a more productive place to work.

These tips are simple, yet often overlooked. Turn off lighting when you leave. (If your employees are bad about remembering this, consider installing motion sensors.) Use as much natural light as you can, and buy compact fluorescents to cut down on energy consumed.

Go–And Stay–Digital

Do all of your employees really need a print out for the meeting’s agenda? Why not email it to everyone, or share a Google Drive among the office?

Most paperwork can be kept online these days, from invoices to presentations. Be very, very picky about what gets printed, and you’ll be surprised at how long that ream of paper will last.

These are some simple ways to cut energy costs, but at Schaffhouser Electric, we’re experts in green technology, Give us a call and we’ll talk about personal estimates tailored to your particular office.

 

Save On Energy Costs

4 Changes Your Business Should Make to Save On Energy Costs

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Now that summer is upon us, it’s a good time for small businesses to rethink their energy needs. With temperatures down South reaching into the 100s, things like air conditioning can skyrocket your energy bill.

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to curb those costs.

Install Motion Detecting Lights

For years the most common energy-saving device has been to turn off the lights when you leave a room.

But, let’s be honest, no one remembers to do that!

In an office, it can be even worse. You want your employees focused on their work, not how much flipping the switch will save on your electric bill.

Motion detecting lights are the perfect solution. These lights will turn themselves off when no one is in the room, eliminating the need for everyone to remember. They work best for conference rooms and bathrooms, which are seldom used and can sit fully lit for days without anyone noticing.

Switch Up Your Other Lights

Harsh overhead fluorescent lights not only cost more to use, they also contribute to headaches and fatigue.

Do yourself and your employees a favor by switching up the lighting around the office. Try a variety of lamps around the office. Open the curtains and let in natural light.

Take some time to play with the light levels to ensure everyone’s comfort. There’s a balance between too much and too little light, and you want to find what works best for your company.

Turn Off The Screen

Everyone loves a good screensaver, but the truth is they take the same amount of energy as anything else on the screen.

Instead of screensavers, instruct employees to turn off the monitor or put it in sleep mode when they leave. This simple solution, spread across your whole company, will save a lot in energy costs.

While you’re at it, consider unplugging all devices when everyone leaves for the day. Plugged in devices still use energy, but simply switching off the power strip can reduce the amount used.

Just Go Home

This suggestion might sound crazy, but hear us out.

If employees are allowed to work from home, your in-office energy costs will obviously be lower. Many businesses enact a “summer schedule,” allowing employees half or whole days off on Fridays.

Thanks to services like Google Hangouts, employees can still communicate throughout the day and stay productive. Or, if you allow employees to work a few more hours on other days and take Fridays off, you’ll be popular as well as energy-efficient!

Schaffhouser Electric can help. Contact Schaffhouser Electric today!