Unless your IT department is run by an ultra-conscious greenie, there are probably steps towards energy efficiency that you can take in the new year. While these New Year's IT resolutions cost time and money, they are a worthwhile investment in the long run.
One easy (and cheap) step you can take is to plug holes in the floor, as leaks result in hot spots and the loss of cool air. Fortunately, fixing holes is simple—just use Masonite and duct tape or KoldLok Brush Grommet.
Turning up your data center's heat by as little as one degree is another easy step you can take, and it can reduce energy consumption by as much as 4 to 5 percent. And consider this: if you raise the temperature from 68 F to 72 F, you'll reap energy savings of 15 to 20 percent.
Many people fear that turning a PC on and off reduces its life, but that's not true. PC power management programs can save you from $25 to $75 per PC. BigFix, Verdiem Surveyor, KACE KBOX, and 1E Nightwatchman are possible software solutions.
And while the satisfaction of opening up a brand new box of hardware can't be beat, tough economic times mean that refurbished machines shouldn't be overlooked. Even machines from last year can save valuable cash.
Finally, don't forget about zombie servers. These forgotten power-sucking machines cost money to keep alive, so track them down and unplug them as soon as possible.