Top tips to save power

As energy becomes increasingly expensive and a price on carbon turns out to be imminent, the need to save energy is at the forefront of business minds.

Below are a few tips to save power:

Automation of systems

• Having detectors in offices that will turn off lights if no movement is detected
• Self-dimming ballasts - The lights will automatically dim if there is sufficient natural lighting in a room, reducing energy consumption
• Having your alarm system turn off all lights when the alarm is turned on - this can work with computers, hot water systems as well as air-conditioning systems

Changing the way we do things. Most of these might be obvious but include:

• Have lights switched on in banks so lights that are not needed are not used
• Turn off televisions, printers and computers when they are not used - not just to standby off but at the power points
• Don’t leave unused lights on

Use energy-efficient lighting products

• Change standard T8 fluorescents to T5 with reflectors and electronic gear
• Change halogens to LEDs - they last longer and use only a portion of the power
• Change incandescent to LEDs or compact fluorescents

A few energy-efficient lighting options available in the market include:

10-watt LED lamp

• Bright as a 50-watt halogen lamp
• Dimmable
• GU10 base - does not need a transformer
• Lifespan - 30,000 to 50,000 hours - normal halogen only 3000 hours
• Reduces energy cost
• Two-year warranty

17-watt LED downlight

• Around 50% less energy used
• Lifespan 30,000 to 50,000 hours - normal only 18,000 hours per lamp
• Dimmable option available
• Phillips LED chip

By Sam Kosmas, General Manager, Eco Smart Lighting