Top
Tips How To Reduce Computer Electricity Use And Save Money
A lot of these computer electricity saving tips cost nothing to implement. and may seem obvious but from experience most people ignore
them and waste money unnecessarily. Some only require getting into the habit of thinking is there a good reason why this is switched
on. For more information on setting up computers to reduce energy use and save money see the computer section. The computer utilities referred to below are all from JSutils as sister site to Practical Home Energy Saving.
Switch Off Computers At The Socket When Not In Use
Even when powered down computers still use electricity.
Switch Off Computer Ancillaries At The Socket When Not In Use
Even when off items such as printers, scanners and audio systems still use electricity.
Don't Leave Laptops On Charge Overnight
Either use a time switch to limit the charging time or switch off the charger when the battery is fully charged.
Switch Off Hubs And Routers When Not In Use
If they are not being used why have them on. Broadband routers can cost around £3 a quarter to run continuously. Another advantage is that security is improved.
Set The Computer To Switch To Standby or Hibernate After 10 Minutes
Doing this can save energy when you leave the computer unexpectedly or forget to turn it off. Hibernate will give the biggest savings.
Set Your Hard Disks To Power Down After 10 Minutes Of Inactivity
A lot of computer activities such as browsing the internet do not always use the hard disk.
Use A Utility Like AllOff To Shut Down The Computer After A Backup Has Ended
AllOff or AllOff Lite are especially useful for shutting down the computer after running a back up overnight.
Unplug External Hard Disks From The Computer When Not In Use
They can draw power and add to the electricity used by the computer
Use An LCD Monitor Instead Of A CRT One
The electricity use is considerably lower.
Turn Monitor Brightness Down As Far As Sensible
This lowers the electricity consumption, it can also help to set up the monitor as the manufacturer recommends to get the optimum picture.
Forget Screen Savers - Set The Monitor To Switch Off After 10 Minutes Of Inactivity
They may look pretty but screen savers cost you money by keeping the computer running.
Remove Or Unplug Any Unused Accessories And Cards To Save Power
Is everything connected to your computer really used?
Use A Utility Like AllOff To Shut Down The Computer When You Forget
AllOff or AllOff Lite can shut down the computer when you leave the computer unexpectedly or just forget to turn it off.
Don't Print Out Things Unnecessarily
Not only does it save energy, it also saves money on paper and ink, reducing paper and ink use. Print double sided when you must print things out.
Use A Utility Like LANOff To Shut Down All Computers On A Small Network
LANOff can shut down up to four computers when another computer shuts down.
|