Computers and Energy Star
Save Power, Save Money
Source: U.S. Department of Energy
 

Fact:
The average annual home office energy bill in the United States is $135. However, by purchasing an Energy Star®-compliant computer, monitor, and fax machine, the average home office can cut its energy bill by as much as 45%.

• Cut electricity use 25% per computer.
• Cut your utility bill anywhere from $7 to $52.
• Create a cooler, more comfortable work space.
• Reduce air conditioning costs.

Many computers have a built-in feature that automatically powers the unit down to 15% of its maximum power after 15-30 minutes of inactivity. Deep sleep modes offer even greater energy and money savings when the CPU is not in use for 60-70 minutes. Save energy and money by...

• Choosing Energy Star®-compliant computers.
• Ensuring that your computer's power management feature is enabled.
• Selecting an efficient processor that meets your needs (not necessarily the fastest).
• Getting a model with an environmental sensor to optimize the power consumption.

Fast Links:

List of manufacturers.
Purchasing tips.
 

Computers without the power-down feature use 25% more electricity. By the same token, the Energy Star® label does not guarantee energy savings unless the power management feature is enabled. Operation of the screensaver is not the same as an enabled power management feature. See the user's manual to verify that it is set.

• Use the power management feature, and your equipment will create less heat, thereby lowering your air conditioning costs.
• Set the shortest possible time that is acceptable before your computer automatically powers down.
• Turn your computer off at night, on weekends, and when left unused for an extended period.

Impact:
Most of the energy produced in the United States is from fossil fuels--particularly coal and oil--in processes that contribute to a number of air pollution problems, such as smog and global climate change. Buying energy-efficient appliances and implementing the tips promoted by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (www.eere.energy.gov) will...

• Save natural resources and protect the environment.
• Lower utility bills.
• Most likely let you qualify for a larger mortgage.
• Make your home more affordable and comfortable.
• Improve indoor air quality.

Fast Links:

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
Energy Star
Market demand for energy efficiency (report)
Qualify for a larger mortgage.
Energy-efficient homes cost less over time.
Energy-efficiency financing.
 

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is committed to helping homeowners integrate clean energy technologies for the 21st century into their homes. With our leadership in science and technology, the U.S. Department of Energy will continue to advance U.S. energy, environmental, economic, and national security.

For more comprehensive savings, consider completing a whole house energy audit or making systematic energy-saving improvements to your home. Click a Fast Link at the right to learn more about this approach, Energy Star®, and DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.