Our physical plant folks sent out a message with tips on how to conserve energy. Perhaps they oughtta blog this stuff? Here it is:
Computer power management — A typical computer monitor uses 60 to 120 watts of electrical power, depending upon screen size.
- Do not use screensavers as energy savers as they continue to use the monitor at full power and do not conserve energy.
- Configure your monitor to turn off after 20 minutes of inactivity, your hard drive to turn off after 30 minutes of inactivity, and your desktop computer or laptop to go into a standby or sleep mode after 90 minutes of inactivity. (If your computer does not have a standby or sleep mode, or you can’t find it, simply turn off your monitor when it is not in use)
- Shut down your computer, monitor, and personal printer or place them in a standby mode when you leave the office for more than two hours.
Turn off your Lights– A common myth about lighting systems is that it is more expensive to turn lights on and off, so it’s better to just leave lights on all the time. Not true!
- Incandescent lamps are so inefficient; it always pays to turn them off when they’re not needed, even for very short periods of time.
- For fluorescent lamps, the breakeven point is about five minutes. In other words, if fluorescent lights will be off for five minutes or longer, it’s more cost effective to turn them off than to leave them on.
- Replacing a 100-watt incandescent with a 32-watt CFL saves at least $30 in energy costs over the life of the bulb.
Minimize or eliminate the use of electric fans and other personal electrical equipment and appliances where possible.
- A 20-inch box fan on medium speed for a 4-moth period 10 hours per day would cost $12 to operate. That $12 doesn’t sound like much, but if everyone were to add a personal fan as the temperature rise, the costs certainly begin to add up.
- A small dorm-type refrigerator (3 cu. ft.) costs about $7 to run annually. A larger refrigerator increases those costs: 5 cu. ft. = $10.
- A 12-cup coffee maker costs about $12 to run annually.
Temperature controls during heating season — keep your windows closed.
- Thermostats will be adjusted to 68° for administrative and academic areas and housing facilities at 72°. (For each 1 degree you turn down the thermostat in the winter, you’ll save up to 5% on heating costs.)
- Move desks and cubicles away from windows. Windows are a source of drafts and draw heat from people in the winter, making them feel colder.
- During cool weather, open blinds for light and warmth and close drapes at the end of the day to reduce heat loss at night.
- Please dress appropriately for the weather.
- Please do not use space heaters.
- Don’t place lamps, TV sets or computers near the thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the heat from coming on.
- Please report unusually hot or cold conditions…
Temperature controls during A/C season
- Keep windows and doors closed when HVAC systems are operating — If you must open windows for ventilation, close them before leaving room.
- Thermostats will be adjusted to 74° for administrative and academic areas.
- In warm weather, close blinds to reduce cooling load.
- Please turn off window units when room is not in use.
- Don’t place lamps, TV sets or computers near the thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
- Please report unusually cold or hot conditions…
Elevator usage — use for the handicapped and for transporting materials.
- If possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator.