How to Reduce the Energy Your Computer Uses

Setting your computer to be more energy-efficient and using better energy-conservation habits with your computer not only helps to save the environment, it also helps to save you money on your electric bill. There are several things you can do to help save energy when using your computer, and some of them are as simple as changing a few settings on your computer so that it conserves energy when you are not using it.

Instructions

1. Go to the Control Panel on your computer and choose the energy efficiency options. From that menu set your computer to "hibernate" or "sleep" mode. This will initiate when you have been inactive on the computer for an extended period of time, and will shut down most of the functions on the computer without losing any of your information. You can set the inactivity time--a good time to use is 20 minutes.

2. Set your monitor to shut down automatically after 20 minutes of inactivity. You will be able to reactivate your monitor by pressing the "Enter" button on your keyboard, but when you are away from your computer for an extended period of time this function will shut your monitor down to conserve energy. You will find this option under the "Screen Saver" selection in your monitor settings.

3. Use your monitor's settings to lower the brightness on your screen. By lowering the brightness on your computer monitor, you are saving energy each time you use your computer.

4. Mute your computer speakers unless you absolutely need to hear sound on your computer. Your computer needs extra energy to create sound, and when you have your computer on mute you are lowering the energy draw.

5. Shut down your computer and monitor when you are done using them for the day. If you have a printer, shut it down at the end of the day as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to do tasks that are energy-intensive in one session rather than spreading them out over the course of the day. For example, editing graphics can consume a lot of energy. So when you plan on doing image editing, try to get it done all in one continuous session rather than doing each project at different times throughout the day.

References

• Online-Tech-Tips.com: Reduce Computer Energy Use Via XP Power Management Options
• TechSoup: Reduce Your Computer's Power Consumption in Minutes
• Natural Resources Defense Council: How to Reduce Your Energy Consumption

Resources

• ClimateSaversComputing.org: Saving Energy at Home