1. Check your furnace ducts. Make sure that there is nothing obstructing the vents, such as long drapes or furniture. If something is blocking the airflow, it will take much more energy to heat or cool the home to the desired temperature.
2. Replace your incandescent light bulbs with more energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs. While you may initially have to pay more for these bulbs, they drastically reduce your energy consumption (up to 75 percent) and last much longer than regular bulbs.
3. Use natural lighting as much as possible. Open the curtains during the day.
4. Arrange an HVAC inspection. Anyone can hire a certified technician for an annual check to ensure their office's heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system is operating at peak efficiency. Leaking ducts, for example, could reduce energy efficiency by up to 20%, says Ronnie Kweller, a spokeswoman for the Alliance to Save Energy. Inspections usually cost $50 to $100, but that could be offset by the energy savings over time.
5. Use Energy Star guidelines to determine how powerful a unit you need. A too-powerful unit not only wastes energy, but it's also less effective at reducing humidity.
6. Keep it clean. Clean air filters monthly for central air and individual window or wall units. Dirt and dust hinder airflow, reducing efficiency.
7. Program the thermostat. Give the air conditioner a break during the workday. Shifting the settings to allow higher daytime temperatures could cut the average office's electric bill by $180 a year, according to Energy Star.
Hunt Down Heat Sources
8. Seal up the office. Cooled air can leak through cracks along window and door frames. Invest in some caulk and weather-stripping to plug up these drafts. An office that's properly insulated and sealed improves energy efficiency by up to 20% year-round, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. (Insulation materials are also eligible for the 30% energy efficiency federal tax credit, up to $1,500 for all improvements combined.)