Reducing your business’s energy consumption doesn’t have to be complicated. One of the best places to start? Understanding which appliances are guzzling the most electricity and finding smarter ways to use them. From keeping the lights, on to making those all-important cups of coffee, every appliance adds to your bill.
This guide breaks down how to measure your energy use, which appliances cost the most to run, and practical ways to make your business more energy efficient.
How to Measure Your Business Energy Use
If you want to know which appliances are using the most energy, checking their power rating is the easiest place to start. Most appliances have a label that tells you how many Watts (W) they use, along with an energy efficiency rating from A-G (A being the most efficient). You’ll usually find this on the appliance itself, the original packaging, or in the user manual.
To work out how much energy an appliance is using, use this simple formula:
Energy (kWh) = Power (W) × Time (hours) ÷ 1000
For example, if you use a 50W desk fan for 9 hours:
50W × 9 hours = 450W ÷ 1000 = 0.45 kWh
Once you know how much energy an appliance is using, you can work out the cost by multiplying it by the price per kilowatt hour (kWh). This can be found on your electricity bill.
Which Business Appliances Use the Most Energy?
Different businesses rely on different appliances, but here are some of the biggest energy users:
- Desktop Computers: Use between 60-300W per hour, plus 35-80W for a monitor. Switching to laptops, which use around 50W per hour, can make a noticeable difference.
- Air Conditioning: A major energy guzzler, using an average of 4000W per hour. If cooling is essential, consider setting a timer or using energy-efficient models.
- Servers: Depending on size and workload, servers can use between 500-1200W per hour, making them one of the most energy-hungry appliances in an office. If they don’t need to run 24/7, switching them off when not in use can save a huge amount of energy.
- Desk Fans: A great alternative to air con, using just 50W per hour.
- Lighting: Incandescent bulbs use 60W, while LEDs use just 10W. Switching to LED lighting is an easy way to cut costs.
- Printers & Photocopiers: Inkjet printers use 300-500W per hour when printing, while laser printers can use up to 1000W per hour. However, both use much less energy when on standby.
Understanding your biggest energy drains will help you make smarter choices on where to cut back.
Tip: Want to track your energy consumption and understand which devices have the biggest impact on your energy usage? Smart Meters are the tool you need for your business, and here at Ruby, we will install one for free.
Simple Ways to Save Energy in Your Business
- Carry Out an Energy Audit: Identify problem areas and find out where you can cut back, a Smart Meter will help you identify the energy-hungry appliances.
- Keep Equipment Well Maintained: Faulty appliances use more energy than necessary. Fixing them saves power and money.
- Upgrade Your Building: Switching to LED lighting, sealing draughts, and using eco-friendly insulation can significantly reduce energy waste.
- Get Staff Involved: Encouraging simple habits like switching off unused equipment and being mindful of energy use makes a big difference or even create an Energy Saving Champion in your organisation.
Ready to Save on Your Business Energy Bills?
Making small changes can add up to big savings. Want to track your energy use and spot which appliances are racking up your bills? Smart meters are your new best friend. And the best part? We’ll install one for free for Ruby Energy customers.
