Energy savings with computers

There are several ways to save energy with your existing computer and things to look for if you are purchasing a new computer.

The largest savings will depend on choices you make when selecting a computer.

• Laptops are less power-hungry than desktops. A laptop typically uses less than 20 percent of the energy that an average desktop with an LCD monitor and as little as 14 percent of what a desktop with an old-fashioned CRT monitor.
• Look for the Energy Star rating for a more energy efficient computer, monitor, printer, etc.
• The energy label for computers lists the maximum power it will use. Most computer use will not require the maximum amount.

Ways to save once you have a computer

• Putting your computer to sleep, or turning it off when not in use, is the best way to save energy with any computer you use.
• Set the power settings on your computer to automatically go to sleep after 15 minutes of inactivity. The sleep mode typically uses 15 watts or less.
• Don’t be fooled by a screensaver. Screensavers with animations or images on the screen do not save energy. Only putting the computer in sleep mode will save energy.
• Turn off the computer, monitor, printer and other peripherals when you are finished using them for the day. Sleep mode will save you the time it takes to boot the computer after short intervals of inactivity and typically uses 15 watts or less.
• Plugging your computer and all peripherals into a power strip allows you to turn them all off at once using the switch on the power strip to avoid “phantom” load. Phantom load refers to the small amount of power used by most electrical appliances when they are turned off, but still plugged in.