Best Features

Although most water heaters last 10-15 years, it's best to start shopping for a new one if yours is more than 7 years old.

Solar panels should be placed where they can receive optimal sun exposure, and they should be tipped on the roof of the building, at an angle towards the sun.

Consider painting walls in light colours to minimize the need for artificial lighting.

ENERGY STAR certified televisions are on average over 25 percent more energy efficient than conventional models, saving energy in all usage modes: sleep, idle, and on.

It is a common misperception that screen savers reduce a monitor's energy use. Use automatic switching to sleep mode or simply turn it off.

LED bulbs offer similar light quality to traditional incandescents, last 25 times as long, and use even less energy than CFLs. Choose ENERGY STAR-qualified LEDs for the highest quality and energy savings. Changing your incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs can save as much as $140.00 a year for each bulb you change.

If your air conditioner is old, consider purchasing a new, energy-efficient model. You could save up to 50% on your utility bill for cooling.

Selecting energy-efficient office equipment and turning off machines when they are not in use can result in significant energy savings.

Unplug equipment when not in use, or at the end of the day. If the machines cannot be unplugged, turn off the switch on the surge protector or main plug.

Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the office or room.

ENERGY STAR-labeled computers use 30%-65% less energy than computers without this designation, depending on usage.

Unplug office equipment, or use a power strip and use the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the equipment. Many office machines (printers, scanners etc.) continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off.

Reroute your HVAC system when refitting your building: re-balance it to suit the new layout. Relocate sensors to appropriate positions.

Make the most of natural daylight, but avoid glare and potential overheating. If you have skylights, use a daylight sensor to control interior and exterior lighting where it’s safe to automate the switching.

Doing an energy audit to see where you use the most energy and what measures you can take to make your business more energy efficient can help reduce your costs in the long run.

It’s often more cost effective to replace old motors than to repair and return them to service. International studies estimate that by improving the way electric motors are commissioned and maintained, businesses can reduce their electricity use by up to 15%.