How to Save On Energy When Using a Computer

Almost everyone has a computer today. From needing it for work, leisure, and just staying connected, a computer makes up an important part of our lives. However, computers use up a fair amount of energy. Companies like Electricity Monster allow people to get their electricity at a lower cost. However, if you’re looking for even more ways to be efficient, these are simple options.

1. Get a Voltmeter

Voltmeters are an excellent way to determine exactly how much electricity your devices use. You can obtain one fairly easily, and they’ll tell you how much electricity each of your devices is using. Keep in mind that the same computer is going to use different amounts of electricity depending on how it’s being used. When idle, it will use less than when you’re gaming for example. Measure how much it uses at various times.

2. Use Laptops, Tablets, and Smartphones

It’s tough to discuss power consumption for computers because it will vary greatly. Most desktop computers will use anywhere between 70-200 watts when in use However, a laptop computer will use much less with 15-60 watts. A laptop, in general, uses less electricity than a desktop. The amount can be significant so you may want to consider using a laptop if possible. If other devices meet your needs, consider even more energy-stingy devices such as tablets or smartphones. Usually, these smaller devices use less energy to use them if possible.

3. Use a Flat Panel Display

The old CRT monitors use several times of the newer flat panel displays. A flat panel display, for example, will use about 15-60 watts while the CRTs will consume 60-100 watts. Since electric bills charge per usage, you should always try to have equipment that uses less energy to do the same task. You may need to pay for an upgrade, but the costs savings can be well worth it in the long run.

4. Use Power Management Options

Although it’s a good idea to turn off your computer when not in use, many people find that they have to use their computer throughout the day. Your computer uses much less energy when it’s on idle, standby, and hibernate. In fact, idle uses more energy than standby, and that uses more than hibernate.
Review your computer’s power management options. You can set the preferences to allow the computer to go into idle or standby when it hasn’t been used for some time.

5. Turn off the Computer

When you’re done with your computer work, make sure to turn it off at the end of the day. Leaving the computer on during the night is going to suck up more power even if it’s on idle. Since most computers turn on fairly quickly, you won’t lose much time the next morning, and the savings will add up.
Most people find that making these changes to their computing habits is easy and effective. When you start to implement these changes, take note of how much you save on electricity and how your numbers change over time.