Energy Savings Tips from Energy Star, Part 7

Here's part 7 of our series on energy savings tips from Energy Star:

Power down computers and electronics products.  A common misperception is that computers and other electronics use small amounts of energy.  In fact, they account for an increasing energy load in most homes, and often draw power even when switched off.  To save energy with laptops, computers, printers, wireless routers, and other electronics, use a power strip that can be turned off when you’re done using them, or at bedtime.  Unplug battery chargers and power adapters when they are finished charging, or not in use, otherwise they continue to drain (unnecessary) energy.  Activate your computer’s power management features, so it powers down when sitting idle.

Get Your Score.  Use the Home Energy Yardstick online at www.energystar.gov/yardstick  to find out how your home energy use compares to other homes.  You may be surprised.  To get your score you will need to enter some common information about your home such as age, square footage, number of occupants and energy bill totals for a consecutive 12-month period (one year). If you don't keep your bills, contact your utility for a 12-month summary.

Finally, Drive Wisely.  Consolidate trips and errands – several short trips can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance, especially in wintertime.   Continue to carpool, ride share and use mass transit whenever possible.  Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned, and your car well maintained, to improve overall fuel efficiency. When buying a new vehicle, make a smart choice.  Look for energy efficiency, air pollution and greenhouse gas scores at EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide.

My thoughts:

1. I keep my computer on overnight many nights. Sorry. :-(

2. I'm glad that they cleared up that "12 months is equal to one year" question I had. Sheesh! I think someone worked a bit too hard to make idea #2 too stupid-proof.

3. We've all heard these car tips over and over the past few months -- so much so that I think we could recite them word-for-word at a moment's notice.

Comments

[Dan]

Isn't it bad for your hard drive to turn it on and off every day?

[Dale]

The reason for making it explicit about a year being the preceeding 12 months is that many people will interpret the previous year to mean the previous calendar year. Doing your calculations based on 2004 numbers will miss recent energy price increases completely.