Free (While adding money to your pocket!)
- Activate power management settings by placing your inactive monitors into a low-power sleep mode (can save up to $55 per monitor annually).
- Activate power management settings by placing inactive computers into a low-power sleep mode, which can save up to an additional $45 per computer annually.
- Keep monitors, printers, computers, etc. plugged into a power strip. After everything is shut down, turn off the power strip when finished for the day.
- Reuse the second side of paper in printers, if appropriate, and email coworkers instead of using paper memos.
- Clean dusty diffusers and lamps every 6-12 months for improved lumen output.
- Close shades or blinds during early morning and late evening to reduce heat from the sun.
- Preheat cooking equipment no higher or longer than is recommended by the manufacturer.
- Use cooking equipment to capacity, and turn off backup stoves or fryers during low production periods.
- Filter fryer oil at least once a day to extend the oil life.
- Don’t overload fryer baskets beyond the recommended capacity.
- Turn ovens off or down when not using them.
Under $100 (Things that pay for themselves in less than 2 years)
- Install motion detectors for lights in infrequently used areas.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lighting.
- Use reflectors to increase fluorescent lighting output.
- Rewire restrooms fans to operate with the lights.
- Install time clocks or setback-programmable thermostats to maximize HVAC efficiency.
- Install locking covers on the thermostats to prevent employees from changing the temperatures.
- Perform regular maintenance on units including cleaning condenser coils, checking ducts and pipe insulation for damage.
- Install ceiling fans to reduce overall room temperature.
- Add reflective window film, blinds, or solar screens to windows to cool the building.
- Install an air conditioning economizer to bring in outside air when cool.
- Perform scheduled maintenance on refrigeration units.
- Replace worn fridge gaskets and adjust door latches.
- Make sure that oven doors fit tightly. Replace gaskets that are not in good condition.
- Disconnect anti-condensate heaters.
- Install auto door closers and strip curtains on walk-in freezers or coolers.
- Replace broilers with grooved or smooth griddles to significantly reduce associated energy consumption.
Over $100 (Measures that pay for themselves in 3 to 15 years)
- When appropriate, use laptops, which consume 90% less energy than desktops.
- If possible, use ink-jet printers, which use 90% less energy than laser printers.
- Use appropriately-sized copiers for the size of your company. Purchase an ENERGY STAR® copier that automatically powers down when not in use.
- If your refrigerator is used minimally, consider replacing it with a smaller one.
- Install ceiling and wall insulation.
- Insulate water heaters and supply pipes.
- Purchase insulated cooking equipment when possible.
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