Electricity

How often do you leave a light on when it is not required? Never - it’s always someone else!

Electricity is not cheap and, in most cases, is produced by burning fossil fuels - and yet we waste it every single day

So you’re very careful and never waste electricity but there are simple cost-effective methods of saving Money

When did you last look at those old, low-efficiency fluorescent tubes and think that they were not as bright as they could be?
How many energy-efficient bulbs do you have at work or at home?
When did you last check the thermostat on the water heater to ensure that it was set at the correct temperature?
Do you leave equipment on standby?
Do you put more water in the kettle than you need for your cup of tea?
Do you leave lights on when the room is not in use?
Do you set the temperature of your water heater too high so that you have to run cold water at the same time?

Switch off and Save Rule

• Switch off any equipment that is not going to be used for fifteen minutes
• Look at efficient use of energy, especially electricity

to find out what it costs your business

Lighting can account for up to 50% of the electricity costs in an office

Does the light need to be on? Is there sufficient daylight? If so, SWITCH OFF AND SAVE

• Check that windows are clean and window ledges uncluttered as both will reduce the amount of natural light.  Ensure that windows and skylights are cleaned on a regular basis.
• Consider fitting a PIR operating system for areas not in regular use; the light will operate when someone enters the area and switch off when there is no further movement.
• When you replace the next light bulb, fit an energy-efficient type; they cost more but use less electricity and last much longer. 
• Make sure that light fittings are clean - a simple task but it will improve output.

for some interesting facts about how we use electricity at home

Office Equipment

• Many businesses use photocopying machines computers, monitorsand other equipment with “standby mode” that enables the machine to operate instantaneously - but that could be in a couple of hours time! 
• Never leave a machine on overnight; the meter will continue whizzing around, putting pounds on your electric bill 
• Remember that screen savers do not save money, they only protect the screen 
• Check to see if equipment has energy-saving devices fitted that will power down the equipment and save money; if they are fitted, make sure they are activated

Leaving equipment on STANDBY costs you more than you realise

If you don’t need it – turn it off

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