How to Save Energy in your Industrial Workshop (Hint: Use Air)
When you have a workshop, you want to work as efficiently and as cheaply as possible, right?
Whether you have a workshop for a hobby or a business, the good news is that if you choose energy-saving tools and equipment, you can do both! With just a few thoughtful purchases, your workshop can use less energy and still allow you to easily produce whatever you need.
Whether you want to be more efficient for the environment or to save a little cash on your utility bills, here’s a quick list of some of the things you can do to turn your workshop into a greener space.
Go With Energy-Saving Tools (Air!)
One of the biggest drains on energy efficiency is the tools that you use. Choosing energy-saving tools rather than traditional electric tools is an easy first step in creating a greener workspace.
There are several alternatives to power tools, but one of the best choices is to use air-powered machines.
Air-powered tools (also known as pneumatic tools) use compressed air to work. The air is stored in a tank (anywhere from one gallon to hundreds of gallons) and is fed into the equipment through tubes. The benefit is that the only electrical costs are to fill the tank with air—once it’s compressed, the power you get is from the air.
Air-powered tools are also typically cheaper than their electrical counterparts, so the initial startup costs may be beneficial as well.
Check Your Heating and Air Conditioning
If you want to do good work, you need to be comfortable. Heating and air conditioning costs can really add up when keeping the temperature of your workshop to your liking.
For this reason, you need to look for high-efficiency units. Not only will they be able to cool and heat your workshop better than older units, they will do it for less cost.
Also, make sure to check your insulation and weather stripping around the shop. Drafts from doors and windows are real efficiency killers, so inspect them every so often for leaks.
Change Your Bulbs
Traditional luminescent light bulbs are a huge energy drain, and the bigger your workshop, the more you should be concerned.
Traditional light bulbs are very inefficient because they produce so much heat with the light they shine. This is wasted energy.
Replacing your traditional light bulbs with fluorescent or LED bulbs can lower your utility bill almost immediately. Each type is much more efficient than incandescent and should be a welcome change in any workshop.
What’s even better is that LEDs can last up to 10 years. Imagine not having to buy new bulbs for a decade. That should be enough to change anyone’s mind about incandescent bulbs!
Make a Change
There are many other things you can do to make your workshop more efficient, but these tips are a great start. You’ll be saving energy—and money—in no time, and still be able to get work done.
For more ideas one energy saving tools, check out our product catalog today. We have a great selection of air-powered lift tables suitable for workshops.
