There are two areas of focus when remodeling the office, media room ( living room, family room). Both effect the amount of energy used in these areas.
First, windows and window placement.
It is important to have natural light in this area. Adding window that take advantage of the natural sunlight could reduce your lighting needs up to 50%. Studies show that natural light in an office area also boosts productivity.
When adding windows- double paned vinyl windows are the most economical, with wooden windows adding to the cost. triple paned window and glazed windows add significantly to the cost, however the saving can run 25-50% on your cooling and heating costs.
The second area to pay attention to are the electronics.
Look for Energy Star ratings on any electronics you buy. This includes computers, monitors, printers and scanners, TV’s, DVD players and home audio systems. Remember to only buy the size you need– those big screen use up a lot of energy, and consider laptops over desktops for the same reasons.
If you do decide to buy new; do not toss your old one- you can find recycle centers online by entering the product you want to recycle and your location.
Energy Star models are comparatively priced to similar models and many manufacturers will recycle your old models for free.
Powerstrips
If you have a lot of electronic devices and rechargeable items, there are likely many times when they are not in use. These are large energy drains so plugging all these infrequently used items into a powerstrip with an on/off switch will help you save money. Just remember to switch off when not in use.
