Comments on: Reducing Our Electrical Usage, Update #2

By: Jerry Kindall

Jerry Kindall — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:25:46 +0000

Since I sometimes use my computer from work, if only to listen to my music collection, I like to leave it on during the day. Unfortunately it’s a Power Mac G5 which uses about 180 watts just sitting there. However, I’ve written scripts to kick it into a lower-power mode when the screen blanker kicks in. A SmartStrip cuts off power to the speaker system when the monitors go blank. I also have taken to shutting it down at night (it boots itself up at 3 AM to do my daily backup, but upon completion I have another script that shuts the machine back down if it was turned off before the backup ran). I have seen only a slight decrease in my electric bill, though.

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:35:03 +0000

Most computers and even laser printers use very little electricity when asleep. While timers – at least the mechanical kind – actually do consume a bit of juice themselves – more than you’d save by having the devices powered down. There are a few kinds of electronic timers nowadays – I’d expect they’d be more efficient than the mechanical ones.

By: Guide to Green Living

Guide to Green Living — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 21:07:13 +0000

Switching to CFL bulbs and adjusting your thermostat are great ways to start saving electricity. Some other ideas include reducing your computer’s energy usage and employing other efficient home cooling techniques.

By: Blaine Moore

Blaine Moore — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 18:04:18 +0000

I set up my CRT monitor and my printers and a light on my desk on a surge protector right under the desk. When I sit down, I can flip the surge protector on and turn everything on with my toe, and turn it off when I get up. My computer and my LCD monitor are on a UPS battery along with the router and cable modem. I manually turn the computer on and off as well; no need to have it on at night since it generates too much heat. The laser printer and the CRT monitor are the biggest energy hogs, though, so they are off unless I’m actively using them.