Miscellaneous

Q: We're nearing time to replace outmoded desktop computers in our offices. Years back, I read about ENERGY STAR^® computers, but things change fast when it comes to electronics, so I don't know if this is still the best way to save on electric costs. Also, are laptops more energy-efficient than desktops? What about flat-panel LCD monitors? - DB, Brattleboro, VT

Dan:

Yes, ENERGY STAR is still the way to go to reduce computer-energy costs. In fact, just last year ENERGY STAR improved their standards to keep up with the increasing number of hours a typical computer is used. To qualify for the ENERGY STAR label, today's computers must save energy while in use, as well as in stand-by and sleep modes. This is an improvement over the earlier ENERGY STAR computer standards, which only required energy savings in stand-by and sleep modes. Computers falling under the new standards include desktop and notebook/laptop models, integrated computer systems, desktop-derived servers and workstations.

Paul:

By using today's ENERGY STAR qualified computers, and their stand-by and sleep modes, you can save as much as $85 per computer, annually. According to www.energystar.gov, the new standards are expected to save U.S. workplaces and households more than $1.8 billion in energy costs over the next five years.

Dan:

To address your other questions: Laptops generally use less energy than desktop models. ENERGY STAR qualified laptops use about 70% less than ENERGY STAR qualified desktops. As for monitors: Flat-screen LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors use less energy than CRT (cathode-ray tube) monitors. A 17-inch LCD monitor, for example, uses about 35% the energy of a 17-inch CRT monitor.

Paul:

A couple of other things to keep in mind: If you're replacing printers too, look for ENERGY STAR qualified models, which use an average of 25% less energy than non-ENERGY STAR units. They also generate less heat, so they put less strain on your air-conditioning system, thereby lowering your cooling costs. An easy way to further reduce computer-operation energy costs is to plug multiple computers and peripherals into a power strip/surge protector that you can simply switch off at the end of the work day.

Dan:

Best of luck with the transition to your next generation of office computers. I want to mention that, as a result of the ENERGY STAR standards change we discussed above, you may notice fewer available new models with the ENERGY STAR label. You can find a list of ENERGY STAR qualified computers at www.energystar.gov/ia/products/prod_lists/computers_prod_list.xls.

Q: We're expanding our convenience store's creemee window to offer fast food. We're looking for your advice about what fast-food prep equipment uses the least amount of energy. - SW, Windsor, VT

Paul:

It's a great decision to look into operation costs before purchasing new equipment. In many cases, a piece of equipment's lifetime operating costs may be 4-10 times greater than its purchase price. As you most likely know, fast-food margins can be very good in high-volume restaurants. But in a lower-volume situation like yours, controlling your overhead will be critical to maintaining profits. The good news is that energy-saving ENERGY STAR® qualified equipment is available for many prep applications.

Dan:

Because you asked about prep equipment, we'll focus on ENERGY STAR qualified fryers and steam cookers. In case you're also in the market for other equipment, I'll mention that you can find ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, and ice machines too.

Paul:

Financial incentives may be available for the purchase of certain energy-efficient prep equipment, so I recommend giving Efficiency Vermont a call before you buy. We also can help you and your equipment supplier determine the most cost-effective models for your specific uses.

Dan:

ENERGY STAR qualified fryers and steam cookers are, respectively, as much as 15% and 50% more efficient than standard models. Also, ENERGY STAR qualified steam cookers demand an average of two gallons of water per hour while non-ENERGY STAR models use 25 to 35 gallons of water per hour. So, ENERGY STAR qualified steam cookers can provide savings of hundreds to thousands of dollars per year, depending on how much food you typically prepare.

Paul

You often can significantly lower operation costs by keeping equipment on only when needed. For about $25, you can get a timer, at a hardware store, that automatically turns off smaller appliances after closing time and then brings them back on line when needed. You can stretch that cost further by plugging multiple pieces of equipment into a single timer. Or you could plug that equipment into a power strip/surge protector that you can switch off at the end of the day. Good candidates for either method are hot dog rotators, chili/soup warmers, and pizza-display warming racks. So are small conveyor ovens. And, if you only use a conveyor oven intermittently, save even more by shutting it off between uses.

Dan:

Many people are surprised to learn how little warm-up time is needed for certain equipment and how much the shorter warm-ups reduce energy costs. Some pizza ovens heat up in the time it takes to prep a pie. It can take as few as 15 minutes to completely bring fryer oil, a griddle, or a char broiler to the proper heat. Also, only turn on the portion(s) of a griddle or char broiler that are in active use. Experiment to get the timing right for your needs.

Paul:

Even an hour or two of downtime for any of this equipment can mean annual savings of between $100 and $600, depending on your volume. And, because these appliances add heat to your facility, downtime also lowers your air-conditioning needs, which further reduces your electric bills.

Dan:

Here's to your new, improved creemee window and your strengthened bottom line!