The first paragraph of this article provides a succinct summary of the content. Whether you're operating from a home office or commuting to a traditional workspace, there are several strategies you can implement to reduce energy consumption and save on costs.
One of the most straightforward ways to save energy is to turn off your personal computer, laser printer, or copier machine when they're not in use. According to Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), switching these devices on and off doesn't typically shorten their lifespan or cause energy surges. However, it's advisable to keep them running for at least an hour at a time.
Running a computer costs between 1 to 2 cents per hour. While this may seem insignificant, it can add up to $131 annually if the computer is left on 24/7. This cost can multiply if you have multiple computers or other equipment like printers or copiers. For instance, I have three computers and three printers. If I left them on all the time, my annual electricity costs would be around $786. By simply turning off my equipment when it's not in use, I can reduce this cost by 85%.
When working on a document, try to print as few drafts as possible. Utilize the print preview option and edit on the computer screen. This not only saves electricity but also reduces paper, ink, and toner usage.
Moreover, try to use email as much as possible. Transferring information via modem or disk can save paper and printing costs.
If you're in the market for a new computer, consider a notebook instead of a desktop PC. Notebooks use one-tenth of the energy of a desktop PC, potentially saving between $40 to $100 in energy costs per year, depending on usage.
When shopping for a printer, consider the energy costs associated with each type. Laser printers, while popular for their high quality, consume an average of 80 to 100 watts when printing. Dot matrix printers use an average of 15-20 watts, and ink jets, the most energy-efficient of all, use only about 10 watts.
If your copier doesn't have a "standby mode" (which reduces energy usage by 70%), consider turning it off as much as possible. Also, keep in mind that faster copiers require more energy per copy.
The most cost-effective way to send faxes is through a fax modem on your PC. This saves energy and eliminates the need for a paper fax machine. eFax offers a free electronic fax account, allowing you to receive faxes directly into your computer and view them as an email message.
With the looming energy crisis, we can all contribute to conservation efforts. By adopting just a few of these energy-saving strategies, significant savings can be achieved. I know I'm going to make a more concerted effort. How about you?
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