The Energy Service of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, due to high energy prices as a result of the ongoing energy crisis and the need to strengthen efforts to save energy, recommends taking simple measures of rational energy use in the workplace. Their combination can bring energy savings of 10-15%.
The proposed measures concern are accessible here in Greek:
Heating and air conditioning
- Air condition only the spaces you use and program the operation of the heating or air conditioning according to the use of the space.
- Make sure the air conditioner filters are cleaned frequently and the air direction is down to heat the space.
- Ventilate and clean the radiator fins with a special brush.
- Avoid using conventional electric heaters and air heaters in the winter.
- Make proper use of windows and shades. On hot summer days, close the windows, curtains and window covers and open them in the evening to create a current of air that will cool the space. On cool summer days you open the windows instead of the air conditioner and on sunny winter days you open the curtains and window covers to warm the space.
- Set the thermostat correctly. Try winter 19-20 °C and summer 25-26 °C or higher.
- Adjust your clothing according to the weather even when you are inside the building.
- Always keep doors and windows closed and do not ventilate the space when heating or air conditioning is running.
- Do not place heat sources near the thermostat.
- Ιnstall ceiling fans instead of the air conditioner.
- Turn off the air conditioning about half an hour before you leave the area.
- Set the air conditioner to “auto” and prefer the maximum fan speed (only set the air conditioner fan to low speeds when there is high humidity).
- Check for any holes and cracks in doors and frames (insulate with special self-adhesive air sealing tape).
- Do not cover radiators with covers or place furniture in front of them.
- If there is a fireplace, close the vent when it is not lit.
Lighting
- Don’t use more light than you need. Put smaller lamps in corridors, storage rooms and common utility areas.
- Turn off the lights in areas you are not using and when you will be away from the area for a long time.
- Avoid reckless use of artificial lighting (don’t leave lights on unnecessarily).
- Make sure the light fixtures are dusted regularly.
- Make sure windows are cleaned regularly.
- Make the most of natural daylight. Avoid artificial lighting if it is not necessary.
- Make sure you always use economical, energy-efficient light bulbs and that they are sized appropriately for your needs.
- Rearrange the furniture in the room taking into account the windows. Place workbenches and desks near windows.
- Use light colors on the walls.
- Do not use lamps with dark and thick fabrics.
- Prefer low general lighting and additional local lighting where you need it.
Office equipment
- Turn off computers and other office equipment when not in use or when you leave the office.
- Prefer to turn off the equipment at the switch and not leave it in stand-by mode. It is better to turn off the switch from the socket as well.
- For the computer screen, prefer using the “sleep mode” setting instead of the screensaver application.
- save paper and energy. Don’t print something if you don’t really need it and if you don’t check it first using the print preview option.
- Set your printer to print on both sides of the page (double sided).
- Make sure you use recycled paper and participate in a paper recycling program.
- Where possible, replace some desktop computers with laptops.
- Explore the possibility of replacing your copier, fax machine, printer and scanner with an all-in-one Multipurpose scanner.
- Consider using shared printers.
- Make sure that the office equipment you have purchased is energy star marked and has sleep mode specifications.
Refrigerators and freezers
- Avoid placing the refrigerator near radiators, built-in spaces or exposing it to sunlight. Place your refrigerator away from the stove.
- Avoid placing hot objects in the refrigerator and freezer compartment.
- Check the rubber around the door and make sure the door closes tightly.
- Check the defrost if it is not automatic, so that no more than 0.5 cm of ice accumulates.
- Do not open and close the refrigerator door unnecessarily and do not keep it open for a long time.
- When you are away for long periods of time, unplug the refrigerator, empty it and leave the door open.
General tips:
- Make sure you always choose the number and size of electrical appliances according to your needs.
- Ensure that maintenance schedules are adhered to and that maintenance is carried out by suitably trained personnel. Make sure that any damage to the heating and air conditioning systems is fixed immediately.
- Make sure that the energy saving interventions already implemented in the building are working properly.
- Ensure that the main ventilation system and fans in the toilets stop working when the premises are not in use.
- Do not take the elevator to go up 1-2 floors.
- Don’t leave any electrical appliances on when you don’t need them (unplug them because they still use energy when they’re on standby).
- Make sure those around you don’t waste energy. Let them know and constantly set a good example.