How can I can i reduce every usage in my home office?

Energy usage in a home office can contribute to a significant portion of the total energy consumed in a WA Household. For example; one standard modem (using 35W) left on all year will cost $64 per year, based on current electricity prices. This cost could jump to $95 per year in the next two years; based on the price rises which have been recommended by the Office of Energy. There are simple measures that can be taken to improve the energy efficiency of the appliances that you use in your home office.

Energy Efficient Computer Equipment
When selecting computer equipment for your home office; make sure it is ENERGY STAR compliant. ENERGY STAR is an international standard for energy efficient electronic equipment. It was created by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 and has now been adopted by several countries around the world, including Australia. ENERGY STAR reduces the amount of energy consumed by a product by either automatically switching it into a 'sleep' mode when it's not being used and/or reducing the amount power used when in 'standby' mode. When buying a computer; consider purchasing a laptop computer over a standard desktop computer, as laptops use less energy to operate.

Power Saving
Unlike your home entertainment equipment; your computer’s power saving features will need to be manually set. For most Windows software applications; this is done through Control Panel and then Power Options. To achieve maximum energy efficiency a computer’s energy saving features should be set to 15 minutes for Sleep and 30 minutes for Hibernation. Sleep mode will typically reduce consumption by 45%, where Hibernation will save any open work and shut down the computer. A standard desktop computer used for only 4 hours a day and always left on, with only Sleep mode activated, will cost $155 a year. The same computer, with Sleep and Hibernation mode activated, will cost $41 a year.

Screen Saver Myth
Screen Savers do not reduce energy consumption. The primary role of screen savers is to reduce computer monitors (especially older CRT monitors) from burning an imprint of an image onto the screen, especially if the same image is left on the screen for long periods of time. Screen Saver mode is not the same as Sleep mode. Sleep mode will reduce energy consumption, where Screen Saver mode will not.

Air Conditioning and Heater
People tend to indulge themselves in comfort at home, so when they do have a home office, they still seem to apply this attitude as well by using air conditioning during summer and heaters during winter. So here are a few tips to at least minimize your energy usage while using air conditioning or heating products. The home office is better off on a shady side of the house or you can shade the air conditioner itself and makes sure the air flow around it isn’t obstructed. The temperature of a heated room in winter should be between 18-21°C while the temperature of a cooled room in summer should be about 23-26°C (remember the humidity indoors will be low, so it will feel cooler). The temperature should be checked after the air conditioner has been operating for 30 minutes; When a hot day is expected, turn on the air conditioner early rather than wait till the building becomes hot (it operates more efficiently when the outside air temperature is cooler. Keep windows and doors closed when using refrigerative air conditioners (evaporative air conditioners require some air flow). Close curtains on hot summer days and cold winter nights. Outdoor shading of windows in summer is most effective. If the machine has adjustable louvers, adjust them towards the ceiling when cooling, and towards the floor when heating (as cool air falls, hot air rises); Follow the manufacturer's instructions for filter cleaning.

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