When days shorten, home office lights are switched on earlier each evening. But that doesn't have to mean higher electricity bills.

Computers and Printers and Scanners (Oh, my!)

Make sure the equipment on your office desk has the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR computers, printers, fax machines, and scanners have special power-management features that automatically place them in "sleep" mode when not in use. In sleep mode, equipment uses about 80% less electricity than in full-power mode. This technology is both practical and economical, since most home computers and peripherals are left on day and night.

If you like to have your laptop or computer and monitor ready for use at a moment's notice, keep in mind that today's power-management technologies are highly reliable and more user-friendly than in the past. An additional benefit is that equipment with sleep mode runs cooler and lasts longer, so your investment is protected as well. ENERGY STAR home office products cost the same as those without the label. Yet, compared with other products, ENERGY STAR computers draw 70% less electricity, scanners use 50% less power, and monitors use an amazing 90% less electricity overall.

Choose an ENERGY STAR multifunction device, combining printer, scanner, and fax capabilities, and you will see 40% lower power use than other models plus a savings of over $200 in electricity costs over the equipment's lifetime.

A home office computer, monitor, printer, and fax combined, all bearing the ENERGY STAR label, can save enough power to light a home for several years. In 2003 alone, ENERGY STAR home office products saved $3.5 billion in energy costs nationwide.

Light on the Subject

Your mother was right. You need good lighting to do good work. But, how can you adequately light a home office without running up a power bill like the Las Vegas strip?

The answer is by switching to Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). ENERGY STAR CFLs use two-thirds less energy to generate the same amount of light, and they last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

If you tried fluorescents years ago and were not pleased with the results, consider that today's models provide warmer light without the "hum" of earlier versions. The bulbs fit in almost every fixture and come in a range of shapes and styles. While the cost-per-bulb is higher versus an incandescent bulb, the savings in energy for one CFL reaches $25 to $30 over its lifetime. ENERGY STAR CFLs even come with a minimum 1-year warranty.

To select the right size CFL, look at lighting output rather than wattage. For example, if the package of your old 100-watt bulb says the output is 1,600 lumens, choose a CFL that provides 1,600 lumens. CFLs are sold in most home improvement and hardware stores plus some grocery stores. So, look for this lighting alternative to brighten your home's workspace.

For more information about energy savings, call Alameda Power & Telecom at 510-748-3900.