Consider purchasing energy-efficient
computer systems and monitors when you are replacing them. Make sure you enable your computer's energy-saving features.
Some newer computers and
other electronic equipment have a "sleep" or
"stand-by" mode that allows them
to start immediately when you turn them on. However, that means
they are constantly drawing a small amount of energy. When
possible, you should switch this option off.
Be sure to at least shut
off the computer screen, as 60% of the
power used by a computer is used by the monitor! (The other 40%
is used to keep your hard drive spinning and to power
electronics.
Put your home
entertainment systems on a power bar and turn off
the bar when you are not using them. (Components without
memories, clocks and timers, of course.)
Unplug infrequently used
TVs, as all continue to draw power
even when turned off.
When you are ready to
replace a piece of electronic equipment, seriously consider
purchasing an Energy Star® model. Energy
Star® equipment are between 15 percent to 40 percent more
efficient than older models, and will save you energy for years
to come.
Office Equipment
Maximum Sleep Mode Power Consumption
Maximum Period of Inactivity
Computers
30 Watts
30 minutes
Monitors
15 watts for sleep mode and 8 watts for deep sleep mode
15 minutes for sleep mode and 60 minutes for deep sleep mode
Printers/ Fax Machines
10 to 100 watts depending page per minute output
5 to 90 minutes depending on page per minute output
Photocopiers
5 to 20 watts depending on the copies per minute capacity
30 to 90 minutes depending on the copies per minute capacity
