If your office is like ours, you have the computers up and running all the time. For many people, a computer is the central tool at work. Most people dont realize that optimizing the energy settings for computers and other devices can be more than a modest energy saver. Set computers to energy-saving settings and make sure to shut them down when you leave for the day.  Even “standby” settings will continue to draw power even when not in use.

At the A#1 Air offices (and at home), we have started plugging hardware into a power strip with an on/off switch (or a smart power strip), so the whole desktop setup can be turned off at once.  If you do this, please learn from our mistakes and be sure to properly turn off the computer and printer(s).  Sudden shutdowns can cause damage to your computer’s operating system, and some printers need to seal their cartridges when they power down.

Printers, scanners, and other peripherals that are only used occasionally can be unplugged until they’re needed. And of course, remember to turn off the lights! The power bill you save may be your own!