How to Save Energy With a Personal Computer

Save energy to help save the planet.

An average personal computer uses up to 200 watts of energy per hour. A typical CRT monitor adds an additional 80 watts. Although LCD monitors use less, the amount of energy used by a PC can add up. Finding ways to save energy makes sense not only for the economy, but also for the environment. Here are a few tips to help you save energy, and also extend the life of your computer hardware.

Instructions

1. Turn off your computer and monitor. Obviously, shutting down your computer when you are not using it is the best way to save energy. Turn it off at night before bed, and any time you will be away for an extended period of time.

2. Turn off and unplug unused devices. Printers, scanners and other external devices draw power even when you are not using them. Unplug them from the power outlet when not in use.

3. Set your computer to enter sleep mode when not in use. Right click on your desktop, select "Properties," and then click the "Screensaver" tab. Under the "Power" section, set the amount of time of inactivity before your monitor and computer enter sleep mode. Recommended time is 5 minutes.

4. Limit the use of resource intensive programs and applications. Applications that require your optical drive, hard drive or CPU fan to run continuously use more energy and cause more wear and tear on PC hardware.

5. Switch to an LCD monitor. An LCD flat panel monitor uses almost half the amount of energy that a CRT monitor uses.

6. Use Energy Star qualified products. Energy Star qualified monitors use from 25 to 60 percent less electricity than non-qualified models.

7. Turn off your serge protector at night to disable energy drain from peripheral power cables. For example, even if an iPod is not connected, its power supply can still draw power.

Tips & Warnings

• Repeatedly turning a computer on and off will shorten the life of the PC. If possible, only power down your computer once each day.

Resources

• Energy Star Information