How to Save Energy in Your Home Office
How to Save Energy in Your Home Office

Many people are working out of their home full time or part time and enjoying the benefits of having a home office. Working at home can, however, increase your energy usage. Here are a few energy-saving tips for the at-home professional:

1) Look for the Energy Star label. Choose computers, printers, fax machines, copiers, and other personal office equipment bearing the Energy Star label. Such appliances are capable of running in a low-power, or “sleep,” mode, which uses less electricity and increases the lifespan of your product. Copiers, in particular, can use a lot of energy, so choose an Energy Star model with a reduced-power option and double-sided copying capability. For more information, see Understanding the Energy Star Label.

2) Turn off equipment when not in use. If your home office appliances don’t have an automatic sleep mode, be sure to shut them off manually when you are done.

3) Use power strips. Plugging computers and other home office equipment into a power strip will allow you to shut off electricity quickly and easily. This is especially useful with laptops or other gear utilizing AC adaptors that continuously draw power, even when the appliance is turned off. Some power strips will even turn off automatically.

4) Use a laptop computer. Laptop computers—built with energy-saving LCD displays, hard disks, and CPUs—consume less energy than their desktop counterparts. When it’s time to replace your old machine, consider going the laptop route.

5) Use task-specific lighting. Choose lighting that meets your specific needs—such as desk and reading lamps—and avoids excessive energy consumption. For more on lighting, read How to Save Energy and Money Lighting Your Home.

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