Energy Saving Tips

Energy-Saving Tips Cards

Picture of energy tip card

Download our hot weather energy-saving tips cards and reduce electricity costs as well as protect the environment.

No-Cost Recommendations

  • Turn off or program office equipment to power down when not in use. Turning off one computer and monitor nightly and on weekends can save up to $80 a year.
  • Setting PCs, monitors and copiers to sleep mode when not in use can help cut energy costs by up to 50 percent.
  • Install programmable thermostats for better control of heating and air conditioning. Proper use of a programmable thermostat can save roughly one-fifth on your heating/cooling costs.  Keep air conditioning set to 78° F or higher and heating set to 68° F or lower.
  • Turn off lights in unoccupied spaces. Better yet, install motion sensors in conference rooms, closets, restrooms, and break rooms. Motion sensors can reduce lighting costs up to 40 percent in areas where lights are generally left on all the time.
  • Have the janitorial services personnel clean together one floor at a time, lighting each floor as needed.
  • Seal off unused areas and reduce or eliminate heating and cooling in these spaces.
  • Reduce your heating load. Keep exterior doors closed. Also, close curtains, shades, and blinds at night to retain heat; leave them open on clear days to take advantage of heat from the sun.

Low-Cost Recommendations

  • Replace T12 fluorescent lamps with T8s or T5s, which consume much less electricity. .  (Schedule lighting system retrofits during routine building maintenance for savings as high as 40 percent of current costs)
  • Use LED (Light Emitting Diode) exit signs and other LED lighting and signage. An LED exit sign can use 80 to 95 percent less electricity and last 10 to 20 times longer than an incandescent-based sign.
  • Perform routine and regular maintenance on mechanical equipment and buildings. Inspect and patch leaks, clean or replace air filters, check fan belts, lubricate motors, pumps and fans, clean condenser coils, and make sure refrigeration seals are airtight. Well-maintained equipment runs much more efficiently, reducing energy costs and extending the life of the equipment.

Good Investment Recommendations

  • Invest in energy-efficient equipment. Choose ENERGY STARĀ® qualified products when upgrading or replacing equipment. These products meet federal standards for energy efficiency and are often available at the same cost as other models. ENERGY STAR qualified products can cut related annual energy expenses by 30 percent.

Note: Some measures may not be relevant depending on climate, the age of the facility and building systems, and past improvements made to the facility.