Computers

Newer computers tend to be more energy-efficient than older ones. This is partly because the demand for portable or laptop computers drove manufacturers to make more efficient components so batteries would last longer. These efficiency improvements now appear in desktop machines. That doesn't mean that they will actually use less energy than older computers however. Why? Because the new computers can do more--and that requires more power.

It's hard to compare the energy use of different computers. The rated power levels found on the nameplate only give the maximum capacity of the power supply. They don't accurately reflect the average power usage, which tends to be much lower. However, we can make a few generalizations.

Laptop computers use much less energy than desktop computers. A typical laptop uses a maximum of 15 watts and it powers down (goes to sleep) when it's not used for several minutes. A typical desktop computer uses about 130 watts (including the monitor). If you are buying only one computer, a laptop offers the extra versatility of being portable. On many laptops, you can hook up a separate full-size monitor and keyboard for use when you're at home.

For desktop computers, an ENERGY STAR® label tells you that the computer has a sleep feature. Although not quite as good as turning the machine off, this is very useful if you must leave your computer on all the time to receive faxes through a fax-modem. Just check to make sure that the sleep feature will wake up the computer for incoming phone calls.