Eco mode for water coolers: advantages and disadvantages
Are you looking at the Eco mode feature and wondering: “But what are the problems?” or “How will Eco mode help my working environment?.
At Borg & Overström, we’ve been designing and manufacturing prestigious water solutions for different working environments for over 20 years – we know that every working environment is different.
We also know that when choosing a water dispenser or tap system, you will have a variety of options and features available to you – full disclosure – you might not need every feature.
So, is the new Eco mode for you?
As designers and manufacturers of the Borg & Overström Eco mode, we can’t help but sway a little towards the benefits of Eco mode. However, we want to approach this question honestly.
In this article, we provide you with an honest review on all the advantages and disadvantages that come with Eco mode. By the end, you will have all the information you need to be able to answer the question: “Do you need Eco mode?”
What is Eco mode?
If you’ve not yet explored how the Eco mode feature can save you energy (and cost!) here is a quick reminder on exactly what Eco mode is:
Eco mode is a design feature that places your water dispenser, or tap system, into a ‘sleep’ mode. In this mode, your water cooler will be saving energy while the dispense function is not being used.
This feature will automatically activate if your water dispenser or tap has not been used for 2 hours, or has been left in darkness for longer than 6 and a half minutes.
Note: you will only find the Eco mode feature included in a selection of Borg & Overström products. This includes:
What are the advantages of Eco mode?
Cost and energy efficiency
A standout benefit of the Eco mode feature is its ability to save on both energy consumption and cost – perfect for a commercial setting.
Ordinarily, the compressor would operate continuously to maintain the preset temperatures of your chilled, sparkling, ambient, or hot dispense options – even when your water cooler was not in use.
Eco mode, however, places your water dispenser, or water tap system, into a sleep while inactive. This greatly reduces the overall energy consumption and saves you money on energy bills!
To provide you with a greater depth of exactly how much you could save in your working environment, our account manager Oslo Barnes jumps into the nitty-gritty details on the cost savings of Eco mode:
Lengthened product life cycle
When in Eco mode, there is a systematic drop in use from the compressor – placing less strain on your water coolers’ components.
Less strain on the water coolers’ components helps reduce the general wear and tear – increasing the lifespan of your water dispenser or water tap system – and creates a more sustainability driven working environment.
Automatic function
Have you ever forgotten to turn the light out? Or perhaps remembered the light switch but forgot that seemingly elusive plug socket… Well, when it comes to your water dispenser – Eco mode does the work for you.
The Eco mode function is designed to be self-sufficient and will activate after 2 hours of inactivity, or 6 and a half minutes of darkness.
What are the disadvantages of Eco mode?
Wake up function
The ‘wake up’ function refers to the period of time directly after your water cooler wakes up from its Eco mode sleep.
This time frame allows for the compressor and heater to reach the perfect chilled and hot temperatures before dispensing. This can typically take anywhere up to 5 minutes and will vary depending on environmental temperatures, model type, and how long Eco mode has been active for.
If this 5 minute time frame is not allowed, the first dispense of hot or chilled water will not be at the optimal temperature.
Light sensor function
The Eco mode function is designed to be self-sufficient and activate after 6 and a half minutes of darkness. However, in dark or dimly lit areas, the light sensor function (measuring illuminance) can unhelpfully activate Eco mode.
As this is an automatic feature, the integrated light sensor should ideally be placed in a clearly lit space. This will help stop your water cooler entering into an unplanned and accidental sleep.
Small energy burst
After Eco mode is deactivated (wakes from its sleep mode), your water cooler will instantly begin to power both the compressor and heater elements. This is so that the water cooler can quickly reach the preset dispensing temperatures.
During this time, there will be a burst in energy consumption, and will last until the preset temperatures are reached. The time frame for this will wholly depend on the unit model, its corresponding components, and dispense options. As such, this process can take up to 5 minutes.
Do you need Eco mode on your water dispenser or tap system?
It’s true – Eco mode will help keep those energy costs down. But do you need help saving on your energy consumption? Only you can answer that honestly.
All we can do is provide you with all the information on the advantages and disadvantages surrounding Eco mode.
Keep in mind: Eco mode is an integrated feature – an extra bonus when using a specific Borg & Overström model. For a full list of key features, visit the product pages of the T2, T3, and B6.
We’re here to help you. If you’re left with any questions about Eco mode – contact us – our expert staff are ready and waiting to help you.
