One example of a device that’s becoming increasingly popular in workplaces across the world is the 3D printer. Opening up a whole new world of technical and creative possibilities for users, these appliances can now be found in a wide range of offices. However, some organisations are reluctant to embrace this technology because of concerns over cost – with power usage often factoring into this. So, do these printers actually use a lot of power?
There are many different models of 3D printer available, and electricity consumption varies significantly between devices. However, according to 3D printer specialists, Technology Outlet, the average model uses around the same amount of electricity as a fridge. It suggests that over the course of a year, you could expect to spend between £25 and £62 on electricity to power one of these devices, depending on usage.
How about when your appliances are left plugged in? It’s important to realise that many appliances continue to consume electricity even in standby mode. For example, always leaving a laptop plugged in (even if it’s fully charged) can use around 4.5 kWh a week, or 234 kWh a year.
For this reason, it really does pay to switch appliances off at the mains when possible. A convenient way to do this is to group appliances on a power strip so that you can turn them all off at the same time.
There are a number of simple things you can do in the office to cut your electricity usage. As mentioned before, turning your appliances off when they’re not in use is a big help. Another tip is to make the switch from traditional light bulbs to LEDs, which use a fraction of the power of standard bulbs. For further savings, consider installing timers or occupancy sensors to your lighting system. This will help ensure that bulbs are only on when they need to be. You can also to keep an eye on your consumption levels.
If you don’t have one already, upgrading to an intelligent heating, ventilation and air conditioning system could also save you a considerable sum. These systems can be automated to ensure the temperatures in your office never go above or below a certain level, and they are designed to use less energy.
You could also save power by switching to more efficient tech. When you’re buying new appliances, make sure you look out for models with an ‘A’ rating for energy efficiency.
Being conscious of electricity usage in your workplace and finding ways to lower it can make a major difference to your bottom line, and it helps to show that your business has a responsible approach to the environment. To find out how you can make more savings on your , who are on hand to help you every step of the way.