How to Buy an Energy-Efficient Fax Machine
Information about energy-efficient fax machines in this section includes the following:
| Efficiency Recommendation Cost-Effectiveness Example Where to Find |
 |
Buyer Tips Usage Tips For More Information |
Also provided is a portable document format version of How to Buy an Energy-Efficient Fax Machine (PDF 64 KB, 2 pp). Download Adobe Reader.
| Efficiency Recommendation | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fax Speed | Recommended "Sleep" Modea | Best Available "Sleep" Mode | |
| All Typesb | Inkjet | Laser, LED | |
| >10 pages/min. | 10 watts or less | 1 watt | 2 watts |
| >10 pages/min. | 15 watts or less | 2 watts | 2 watts |
a "Sleep" mode refers to a low-power standby condition, which is entered automatically after a set period of inactivity. The active mode is restored when the user touches the keypad to send a fax or when an incoming fax is received.
b For combined printer/fax equipment see the separate recommendation for printers.
| Cost-Effectiveness Example | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | Base Model | Recommended Level | Best Available |
| Annual Energy Use | 377 kWh | 94 kWh | 26 kWh |
| Annual Energy Cost | $23 | $6 | $2 |
| Lifetime Energy Costa | $110 | $30 | $10 |
| Lifetime Energy Cost Savingsb | — | $80 | 100 |
a Lifetime energy cost is the sum of the discounted (present) value of annual energy costs based on average usage and an assumed fax machine life of 6 years. Future electricity price trends and a discount rate of 3.3% are based on Federal guidelines (effective from April 2001 to March 2002).
b These savings do not include the benefit from reduced air-conditioning costs, which depend on location and building type.
Cost-Effectiveness Assumptions: Annual energy use in the above example is based on typical office operating practices. Fax units are assumed to be left on continuously, day and night, with a total of 270 hours per year in "active" (sending or receiving) mode. The assumed electricity price is $0.06/kWh (including demand charges).
Using the Cost-Effectiveness Table: In the example shown above, a 10 pages-per-minute fax machine at the recommended efficiency level is cost-effective if its purchase price is not more than $80 above the price of the base model. The best available model is cost-effective if its price is not more than $100 above the price of the base model.
Where to Find Energy-Efficient Fax Machines
The Federal supply source for energy-efficient fax machines is the General Services Administration (GSA). GSA's on-line ordering system, GSA Advantage!, can be used to select and order fax machines. Whether buying from GSA or a commercial source, make sure that the model you order qualifies for the ENERGY STAR® label. All ENERGY STAR® fax machines meet this efficiency recommendation. Check EPA's list to see which fax machines qualify for the label (see For More Information). When contracting or buying from a commercial source (retailer or distributor), choose models that qualify for the EPA/DOE ENERGY STAR® label. Visit the ENERGY STAR® Web site for a list of complying models.
An ENERGY STAR® fax machine must have a low-power standby ("sleep") mode of 10-15 watts or less, depending on the print speed; some models use even less power in sleep mode. The low-power mode is triggered after 5 minutes of inactivity, and the active mode is automatically restored to send or receive a fax.
Buyer Tips
Look for a model with the lowest available power level in "sleep" mode, because most fax machines are in standby mode most of the time. The ENERGY STAR® product listing (see For More Information) includes information on sleep mode power consumption.
There are a few fax machine models (and several multi-function machines) that scan duplex (two-sided) originals; this avoids the need to recopy a two-sided document before faxing it. Some models also offer two-to-one image reduction for incoming faxes; this reduces transmission time and saves paper.
Multifunction equipment that combines printing, copying, and scanning along with fax capabilities may be an attractive option, especially for small offices and home use where space is limited. (See the ENERGY STAR® Web site for a list of qualified models.) However, the fax function requires that the entire unit remain in sleep or standby mode at all times. This may increase standby power significantly, since many of these models have higher standby/sleep power levels than a fax-only machine. For more information on FEMP standby criteria, see How to Buy Products with Low Standby Power.
Usage Tips
Make sure that the power management features of your fax machine have been "enabled."
To save on both paper and energy, use stick-on labels in place of a separate cover sheet for outgoing faxes. Whenever possible, use e-mail, post your documents on the World Wide Web, or take advantage of "paper-less" faxing from a desktop or network fax-modem. Consider using waste paper with one blank side for receiving faxes.
For More Information
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an ENERGY STAR® fax program which includes a list of complying models.
Phone: (888) STAR-YES (782-7937) - TCO is a labeling program for computers, monitors, and other office equipment that includes energy efficiency, environmental, and ergonomic criteria, as well as low electro-magnetic emissions.
Phone: (312) 781-6223 - Buyer's Lab, Inc. publishes detailed printer test reports and a Printer Specification Guide.
Phone: (201) 488-0404 - Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory maintains a Web site devoted to office paper reduction issues and strategies.
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory also provided supporting analysis for this recommendation.
Phone: (202) 646-7950