5 ENERGY STAR Office Equipment Upgrades That Will Lower Your Energy Bill

In order for their companies to thrive, Northern Illinois small business owners need to keep their costs as low as possible. One way to achieve that goal is to minimize their energy bills. ComEd will help owners save money by installing electricity-managing smart meters throughout the region in the near future. Owners can lower their electricity usage by investing in ENERGY STAR^®-certified office equipment.

Before looking at how much money can be saved by replacing specific pieces of office equipment, it's important to understand what ENERGY STAR certification means. For a consumer product to receive an ENERGY STAR label, it must meet an internationally established standard for energy efficiency. As such, certified office equipment typically uses 30-75 percent less electricity than older electronics.

Desktop Computers

According to ENERGY STAR'S Office Equipment Products Calculator, an Illinois-based small business that uses five desktop computers with monitors will enjoy a 58 percent annual savings on that part of their energy costs. Using the US Energy Information Administration's average Illinois commercial electricity rate of 8.46 cents per kilowatt hour will translate into an estimated saving of $55 per year.

A small business can also save even more money by moving from desktop computers to less electricity-intensive laptops. Doing so could put another $36 per year back in their pockets.

Multifunction Devices

Small businesses that use two standard format multifunction devices -- that is, a machine that can perform all-in-one printing, copying, faxing and email functions -- can also save money by making an upgrade. ENERGY STAR-certified multifunction devices use 46 percent less energy that their outdated counterparts. Consequently, owners could see a $45 annual reduction in their electric bills.

Professional Signage

A Chicago company that uses illuminated professional signage to attract consumers can see a bottom line benefit to getting an ENERGY STAR upgrade. A business that uses two 45 by 49.9 inch illuminated signs 24 hours a day can reduce that energy cost by 34 percent. That could result in a savings of $62 per year.

Printers

Let's say a small business has five standard-size printers to go along with its five desktop computers. By replacing their older units with new ENERGY STAR-certified models, a company could chop an estimated $20 a year off of its energy costs.

Refrigerators

Another way business owners can reduce their energy costs is by swapping out office refrigerators with more energy-efficient fridges. Over the course of its lifecycle, an ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerator-freezer costs $27 less to power than its antiquated predecessors. Alternately, a new compact fridge will save its owner $23 over the course of its lifetime.

Want to learn more about saving on energy costs for your small business? Contact ComEd at 1(855) 433-2700 or visit ComEd.com/Business.

For more tips and inspiration for small business owners,
visit CBS Small Business Pulse Chicago.