How to Save Energy with Your Computer

Help keep the earth green with Energy Star-certified computer parts.

Since July 2007, computers have been rated by the Energy Star ratings program. To be Energy Star-compliant, computers must use a power supply that converts 80 percent of incoming electricity for use by the computer. A basic desktop model must consume less than 50 watts in idle mode. A basic notebook has to consume less than 14 watts of power. A notebook with a graphics chip has to consume less than 22 watts of power.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Ask for Energy Star certification

1. When shopping, ask for an Energy Star-certified computer or monitor. Using Energy Star Certified computers, monitors, and other devices saves you money on energy costs. It also adds to your efforts to change your lifestyle to a more green way of living. Saving energy helps reduce global warming.

   As a general rule, laptops are more efficient than desktop models.

2. At the Energy Star website, you will find the requirements for an Energy Star Certification. In terms of energy efficiency, the top 25 percent of computers get the Energy Star blessing. Computers are tested for power consumption when in use and when in idle mode.

3. The Energy Star computer page (see links in Resources section) provides a link to an Excel document that lists every qualified computer. You can find computers by manufacturer, desktop or laptop system or model. Check this list before you buy, particularly if you are buying online and there is no sales person to help you find an Energy Star certified model.

4. After you have your new computer at home, make sure you run it in the most energy efficient mode. Reduce power requirements by closing applications when they aren't in use, by setting the screen brightness at the lowest comfortable level, and by putting it instantly into sleep mode when you know you will be away for a few minutes.

5. A computer's energy consumption depends on what you're doing with it. Writing an email uses less energy than playing a graphics-heavy game. I'm not suggesting that you quit playing computer games, but you might think about dragging out the old board games once in a while instead.

6. The majority of energy that goes into a computer is actually used during the manufacturing process. Once you have an energy efficient computer, take care to keep it in good running condition for as long as possible. Upgrade and fix when necessary so that the machine runs efficiently for the long term.

7. When you get a new energy-efficient computer, dispose of the old one properly. Search in your area for a place that will recycle or reuse the computer parts so that the toxic materials in the old computer don't end up in your local landfill.

Resources

• Energy Star Computers
• Qualified Computers (Excel spreadsheet)