While we may not think about it, a computer uses an incredible amount of energy to perform day-to-day tasks. When you include the tower, monitor and any other peripherals connected, a computer can easily use more electricity than your washer, dryer or television - especially if it is on constantly. Developing good energy habits not only is good for the environment, but good for your finances and for the computer itself. Best of all, complicated IT support Stevenage is not needed to achieve optimal results.

Unplug Unnecessary Components

Any devices connected to your computer that are not currently in use draw power from the power supply - even when they are not on. While the draw of power is much less than if they were being used, disconnecting printers and any excess chargers connected to your computer and/or outlet will help reduce the amount of electricity by up to 10%. This also applies to any extra peripherals connected to the PC via USB or other proprietary connectors. If you have multiple fans inside your computer, you may even be able to remove one or more - many times, PCs do not require all of these and you can check your PC temperature in the BIOS settings upon start up.

Monitor Tweaks

If you have an LCD monitor, you are throwing money out the window. When compared to LED monitors, LCD monitors use on average twice as much electricity, while providing no real benefits in the process. With LCD and LED monitors virtually the same in price now, it makes sense to upgrade to an LED monitor at the earliest possible convenience. Also, avoiding screensavers will help you save power. Screensavers can actually drain more power while in use than the computer would use in a general idle state. Most monitors nowadays are not in danger of burning out or imprinting the desktop permanently on the screen, so simply turn the monitor off when not in use.

Configure Auto On/Off

There are options in your BIOS that allow you to schedule regular times for when the computer will turn on and off. Many are afraid to edit their BIOS without IT support Stevenage, but this particular process is simple and straightforward. While this is not customizable for each day (one set on and off time, every day), you can easily eliminate at least one-third of your power consumption by scheduling your computer to turn off after you are asleep and to turn on prior to starting your day.
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