Computer Energy Savings Fact Sheet

Facts

• Leaving a computer screen on for just one night uses up enough energy to microwave six dinners - Also remember: Screen savers do not save energy.
• A typical desktop PC will pump out 80 watts of heat, forcing air cons to work even harder - thus wasting even more energy.
• A computer left on 24 / 7 costs approx. $95 a year to run. If this PC is switched off before going home and at weekends, this can be reduced to $20. A hundred PCs switched off when not in use will save around $7,500 a year.

Really Easy Steps That Make a Difference

• Switch off your monitor when you are leaving your desk for more than a couple of minutes. Up to two thirds of a computer's energy is used by the monitor.
• Switch off your computer if you are leaving your desk for more than an hour; at the end of the day, on weekends and during holidays (don't forget to switch off printers, scanners and photocopiers as well).
• Don't automatically switch on your computer when you arrive in the morning - only switch it on when you first need it.
• Change the energy efficiency settings on your computer.

Easy Steps That Make a Difference

Get a laptop: Even the most energy-hungry laptop will be relatively modest in its energy demands, compared to a desktop (due to the need to conserve battery power every component is designed to run on less energy).

Check the energy consumption specifications: Keep in mind that idle power consumption is far more important than maximum power, but for overall energy efficiency, it helps if the latter is lower too. In actual use, most computers run close to or at an idle load more than 90 percent of the time. Look out for computers that use 50 W or less at idle, and ideally, not more than 125 W at full load.

Choose an LCD monitor rather than a CRT: Typical energy consumption of a 19-inch LCD monitor running normally is 25W to 30W. In sleep or standby, it will consume no energy at all. In contrast, even an Energy Star-labeled, 19-inch CRT typically draws more than 80W in normal use.