. . . using less energy depletes fuel at a lower rate, creates less pollution, and means less counterbalancing energy usage (for example, when the heat generated by a computer requires more air conditioning to yield a bearable work environment).
These days with power consumption and costs on the rise, saving energy is becoming a larger issue. Whether the goal is to protect the bottom line or to be environmentally conscience, there are a multitude of ways to save energy by adjusting settings on PCs, printers, and peripherals.
The chart below contains data collected using a Dent Instruments PlugLogger configured to display usage in watts. We looked at a number of computing devices typically found in most offices.
Device |
Off/Standby |
Power-Save |
Idle |
In Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Laser Printer - HP 4050N |
0 |
17 |
19 |
460 |
|
Monitor - Dell 17" LCD |
1 |
2 |
31 |
31 |
|
Monitor - Dell 17" CRT |
0 |
1 |
50 |
50 |
|
Desktop - Dell GX 280 |
1 |
73 |
85 |
144 |
|
Desktop - Dell GX 240 |
3 |
41 |
46 |
82 |
|
Desktop - Dell GX 110 |
4 |
22 |
30 |
47 |
|
Laptop - Dell D610 w/ Dock |
1 |
15 |
25 |
47 |
|
Laptop - Dell C640 w/ Dock |
3 |
18 |
27 |
50 |
|
HP 3970 Scanner |
0 |
9 |
9 |
18 |
|
Speakers w/ Subwoofer |
0 |
6 |
6 |
13 |
Table: Power usage of various computer equipment in watts.
Quick Facts
- Laser printers use a significant amount of energy while printing
- LCD monitors use 40% less energy than equivalent-sized CRTs
- Desktop power usage appears to increase by 35 to 45% every two years
- Peripherals can account for 10% or more of a desktop’s energy usage