Tips Library

Set thermostats at 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter and cut energy consumption by 3%-5%.

Install programmable thermostats to maximize efficiency, which can save up to 20% of heating and cooling costs when programmed properly.

Install covers on thermostats to prevent employees from changing temperature settings.

Clean condenser coils, change air filters, and check ducts and pipe insulation for damage often.

Replace inefficient HVAC equipment with new energy-efficient systems.

Install ceiling fans, as they can make a room feel 4 degrees cooler during the summer. In the summer, use the fan in a counter-clockwise direction and in the winter, change it to a clockwise direction.

Install window film or awnings on all south-facing windows or use blinds.

Add more ceiling and wall insulation, as it decreases heating or cooling needs by providing an effective resistance to the flow of heat.

Insulate water heaters and supply pipes and reduce standby heat losses by 25% - 45%.  This will save around 4% - 9% in water heating costs.

Turn off all office equipment and lights every night and weekend.

When purchasing computer equipment, fax machines and copiers, buy ENERGY STAR models that "power down" after a certain period of idleness.

Use laptop computers and/or inkjet printers, as they consume 90% less energy than desktop computers.

Use e-mail instead of printing and faxing documents.

If printing is necessary, think about duplex printing and reusing paper.

Replace T12 lights with magnetic ballasts to T8 lights with electronic ballasts.

Swap out incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. They use 75% less electricity to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent.

Consider installing reflectors, as lighter colored walls need less light.

Install motion detectors to control light output in commonly unoccupied areas, like break rooms.

Use long-lasting, low-energy LED exit signs.

Schedule maintenance on refrigerator units, especially keeping coils clean and free of ice build-up.

Keep refrigerators full (water jugs make good fillers).