Business Energy Consumption and Costs
The power consumption of electronic equipment depends on how frequently it is used and whether or not it’s switched off or left on standby when not in use.
ADSL modems only draw 10-20W, but they’re usually left on, and while FAX machines draw 100W to operate, they’re mostly on standby, making this the largest factor in their total energy consumption.
A desktop computer draws 150W, and an LCD monitor will use 30-50W, around 30% less than an equivalent CRT monitor.
CRT monitors also generate more heat, and therefore increase the cooling requirements of your office by as much as 20%. Laser printers require 150-1100W to operate, but also use a considerable amount of energy while on standby. During an average working day, a laser printer can use about 1kWh of electricity, but cost less per page to run.
Photocopiers consume 200-1300W to operate, and 40-300W on standby, but some can use as much as 30W even if turned off, so it’s best to switch them off at the plug.
To cut down on power consumption and costs at your office, upgrade to LCD monitors and switch off equipment when it is not being used, especially at night and on weekends.