Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Energy-Efficient Computers

Emphasis on Being Energy-Efficient

In today’s society, there is an increasing amount of emphasis on being energy-efficient. When you think about energy efficiency, you probably think of solar panels, fluorescent light bulbs, and the importance of turning off unnecessary lights. You may even have an energy-efficient appliance, such as a dishwasher or washing machine, in your home. However, you might be overlooking the fact that your computer could be more energy-efficient than it is right now. If you make a few simple changes to the way you use your computer, you can conserve energy and help the environment by reducing your carbon emissions. You can also significantly reduce your utility bill. If you’re in the market for a new computer, you can conserve energy and save money even more easily by purchasing a computer that has been certified as energy-efficient.  

 How Can I be More Energy Efficient With My Computer?

Most simply put, an energy-efficient computer is one that wastes as little energy as possible. Turning your existing computer into a more energy-efficient machine is much less complex than you might think. Your computer will become more energy-efficient if you make a habit of turning it off when you’re not using it. You might assume that rebooting your computer several times a day would waste a lot of energy, but that is actually not the case, A computer that sits idle for as little as 20 minutes wastes more energy than a computer that is turned on and off throughout the day. It is also a myth that screensavers conserve energy. If you absolutely feel the need to leave your computer sitting idle, you should disable your screensaver; it uses up more energy than you realize every time it runs. Lastly, you should always unplug your computer when it’s not in use. Even when your computer is off, a certain amount of electricity is still surging through the power cord. This amount of electricity may be small, but your utility bill will definitely increase if you leave your computer plugged in continually.  

 Environmental Protection Agency Guidlines and Qualifications

In recent years, more and more computers on the market have been meeting the Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines for energy efficiency. In order to meet the EPA’s standards, a computer must only use a designated amount of energy when it is off, idle, or in sleep mode; if it is a certain type of computer, the amount of energy it uses while running normally is considered as well. The computer’s power supply must also be considered efficient by the EPA. In addition, the computer must come equipped with a certain type of power management system and come with instructions that clearly explain how a user can take advantage of this system. Every computer that meets the EPA’s qualifications receives an “ENERGY STAR” label, just as other appliances that follow EPA guidelines for energy efficiency do. Since ENERGY STAR computers are only becoming more common, it would not be difficult to find one if you’re thinking about purchasing a new computer. If you obtain a certified energy-efficient computer, reducing your energy use and bills will be a simpler task than ever.

Cut Your Costs 

If you take steps to increase your computer’s energy efficiency or purchase a computer that is officially designated as energy-efficient, you will cut your own utility costs and become part of a larger movement to protect the environment. The EPA estimates that if every household had an ENERGY STAR computer, Americans as a whole would reduce their energy costs by over $100 million every year. They would also prevent more than 1 billion pounds of greenhouse gases from being emitted into the air and save almost 1 billion units of electricity.

Any Questions?
 
If you still have questions about how energy-efficient computers work or need help setting yours up, don’t hesitate to contact Computer Fix SLC. Our company’s friendly staff is also here to assist you with any problems you may be experiencing with your computer. When it comes to IT issues and computer repair, Salt Lake City doesn’t offer better service for your home or business!                

 

 

 

     

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