With energy efficiency high on most people’s priority list for one reason or another, a cursory look was had over the internet into computer power usage.

A distillation of the results lies in the following points:

1: Choose Laptop over Desktop/ Tower PC.

Desktop with CRT screen uses an average 270w
Laptop uses average 3w-15w in high power mode. 12w to 24w when charging.

2: Choose Flatscreen Monitor over CRT, LED over LCD.

Typical CRT monitor 150w
Typical LCD monitor 30w – 60w
Typical LED monitor 15w – 30w

3: Switch Off

Use full shutdown over hibernate/ sleep modes and fully isolate from mains power.

4: Only Use What You Need

Only power up other peripherals such as printer, speakers, scanner when required for use.

5: Keep Clean and Safe

Prolong life of the appliance by keeping it away from exposure to dust, damp and extreme temperatures.

6: Stay Cool !

Prolong Laptop life by ensuring CPU Fan/ Heatsink is always free to ventilate fully by operating it on a flat solid surface (worktop, table etc) do not operate it on a sofa, bed or carpet etc. The CPU Fan/ Heatsink can be hoovered regularly to further reduce the chances of premature failure.

7: Power Down

Desktop/ Tower PCs – Monitor can be turned off while downloading files, defragmenting drives etc over long periods of time (eg overnight). For Laptops use the energy saving settings to turn off the monitor during these tasks although this is less of an issue due to the overall lower power usage.