Saving Energy Tips Solar Power Energy
Generation Guide
Saving Energy Tips With Home Computers, Monitors And
Printers
By Gerard J Howson
Many people have computers and printers in their homes.
These days of skyrocketing power bills, you need to
find saving energy tips to make these devices more efficient.
One option is to switch off the monitor, when you are
not using it.
Here is a fact. Over half the energy a computer uses
is by the monitor. A monitor left on, will use as much
energy as a laser printer that has printed 800 pages.
Do not be misled, that a screen saver saves energy.
A screensaver does not save anything. The fact is, if
your screensaver is on your monitor, the computer is
functioning at full capacity, adding costs to your power
bills.
Switching Off Your Computer And Printer
To take advantage of saving energy tips, you should
switch off your computer and printer, when not in use.
Many people do not send and receive faxes anymore, but
if you are using a fax machine, then you may need to
leave it turned on, to receive faxes.
Alternatively, you can ask for people to send you documents
as attachments to emails, cutting out the need for a
fax machine. Just make sure your antivirus software
is up to date with the latest patches, so you do not
receive viruses with your attachments.
Leaving Your Computers And Printers On Standby
When leaving your computers on standby, they are not
using much power, but they still use as much as 30 watts
for each computer, continuing to increase your power
costs.
Using your printer is the most energy consuming task
of all your computer peripherals. Printing a document
with your printer is an energy-consuming process. This
is why you need to limit your printing and avoid unnecessary
printing. Another tip, is to do all your editing on
the screen.
The Most Energy Efficient Printer
If you are looking to purchase a new printer, inkjet
printers are the most energy efficient, budget friendly,
give you the option of reusing paper, and are therefore
better for the environment.
Laser printers are more expensive and consume more
energy than most other types of printers. Some laser
printer have an energy saver option, allowing you to
reduce energy use when not in use by up to 65 percent.
Remember that when a laser printer is idle, it can still
gobble up to, 30 to 35 percent of their peak power energy
requirements.
Recycling Your Printer Paper
Speaking of paper, use computer paper recycling at
every opportunity. As mentioned earlier, inkjet printers
makes reusing paper much easier than laser printers.
An inkjet printer allows you to flip the paper and put
it back into the printer.
Another option is to reuse your printer paper if you
can not put it back in the printer. For example you
can use it as scrap paper, or to write down lists, keep
notes, etc. If you are looking to purchase a new computer,
consider purchasing a laptop instead of a desktop. A
laptop computer often uses about half the power used
by a desktop computer.
You will notice a reduction in your power bills by
taking advantage of these saving energy tips.
About the Author:
Gerard J Howson has written a number of articles on
solar power and renewable energy including
Portable Solar Power,
Solar Technology,
Solar Hot Water,
Solar Electric.
Gerard is working on more articles. Look out for new
articles as they become available on this site.
Little Known Solar Facts.....
What is the initial cost of switching over to
using alternate energy?
Switching over depends on
what exactly you are switching.
Houses that have to be retrofitted using solar
panels to generate electricity can be quite costly.
Vehicles are cheaper to retrofit but require work.
The costs can vary for anything switched over.
The best way to get an estimated idea is to seek
out a contractor or mechanic that is for using
alternate energy sources.
RECOMMENDED READING
|
|
|
|
| Copyright © 2007
- 2010 Solar Power Energy Generation, All Rights
Reserved |
|
