Conserving energy at UH
Note: This story may not be current. It is part of the IT News Archive, and exists as a historical document.
Most people are aware that turning off the lights at night saves electricity, but don't know that other equipment, such as computers and fax machines, are also an issue.
The Power-Off Debate
While there is some debate as to whether you should turn off your computer at night, be sure to have your monitor set to go into a "sleep" mode, your hard drives to set to power down, and turn your computer off over holidays and weekends.
The argument for leaving the computer on comes from the fact that moving parts like fan rotors and hard drive arms tend to break during start up rather than during use. Just as a car goes through the most mechanical trauma when it is started up, so does a computer's hard drive, power supply, and processor fan. Starting and stopping the computer the least number of times possible is the best way to extend its life.
However, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an average PC and monitor will consume about 200 watts per hour while just idling (most light bulbs use 40-60 watts). If this machine is left idling each evening and weekend, the wasted energy costs the University about $50/year.
It is recommended, therefore, that users use their best judgment.
PC
While many Windows versions have power-saving features available (check in Start Menu - Control Panel), not all are available unless the computer's BIOS is set to allow power saving. Try pressing DEL or F12 on your keyboard (depending on the type of computer) while your computer is starting up. Also, if your version of Windows does not support power saving features, BIOS may have options Windows doesn't.
Technologies such as AMD's PowerNow!, the AMD-760 chipset, and the Intel Speed Step are all great features to have in a PC. Intel's Web site has information about processors that use Low or Ultra Low voltage technology for those interested in purchasing a new PC.
Macintosh
Most Macintosh computers come with excellent power management features and Macintosh processors (made by IBM and Motorola) use substantially lower electricity than their PC counterparts. G3's use from 4 1/2 to 6 watts of power and, G4's, 5-14 watts while PC processors range from 30-100 watts/hour. Check your "Energy Saver" control panel on your Macintosh to enable a power-down or sleep when the system is idle or to turn off automatically over night (and over weekends). Macintosh monitors, meanwhile, have about the same power usage as PC's so be sure that your monitor is set to "go to sleep" if left idling.
Laptops and flat panels
Laptops have some of the lowest power-consumption in the office. Laptop screens and flat panel-type monitors consume only 20-30 watts compared to ordinary monitors that take from 70-150. However, you might be interested in even further power-saving functions that can increase the life of your batteries. Expensive to replace, laptop batteries cost around 10% of the price of the laptop. If you own a laptop, here's some information on how to enable some of those functions: CNet and ZDNet.
Linux
If you're a Linux user, there are also power saving tools available in " Linux Ecology Howto" (and a mirror of the document).
Since Linux computers generally have a very high uptime, whether a desktop or server, power saving features such as hdparm, a tool to help hard drives spin down after the computer is idle, can help.
Note that several energy-saving features have been added in the new 2.4 version of the Linux Kernel by using the processor more efficiently. Users of RedHat 7.1 and higher will benefit from these new features, as will the latest versions of Mandrake and SUSE.
Power-Off
Some devices leak electricity even when powered down. Where possible, unplug your equipment or use a power strip with a single off switch. This may be especially helpful over the Christmas holidays and with Faculty who are away over the summer.
Other Devices and Energy Star
One of the best ways to save power is to buy products that are Energy Star compliant, including computers and monitors. Printers, scanners, copiers, fax machines, and multifunction devices all can be set with features that enable it to power down when not in active use. In addition, office equipment that powers down when not in use gives off less heat, which can reduce the strain on our buildings' air conditioning this summer.
The Energy Star http://www.energystar.gov Program, in association with The Environmental Protection Agency , works with the private sector to develop and certify electronic equipment that is more energy-efficient.
Energy Star labeled computers automatically power down to 30 watts or less when not in use and may have a longer life than conventional products because they spend a large portion of time in a low-power sleep mode. They also generate less heat than conventional models, which can reduce cooling costs. Monitors, meanwhile, use up to 90% less energy and printers 65% less.
Printer
Choosing a printer with a duplexing mode, or one that prints on both sides of the paper saves electricity and paper. If your printer doesn't allow for double-sided printing, try using "Print" in Microsoft Word and select "odd pages." Then, put the paper back in the printer on its reverse side and print again, selecting "even pages" this time. You may need to print a test page to find out the necessary orientation. This is especially useful for larger jobs, saving paper, money, and storage space for your documents.
The more money we save on idle electricity, the more is available for other projects and services.
More Information
- Previous Infotech Energy Article
- Ask Slashdot: What Devices Produce the Largest Power Draw in PCs?
- Notebook power monitor for Intel processors:
- A Web site on home powering ideas: homepower.com
- A tool for shutting down your Windows machines remotely: Sasquatch
- Daylight savings time - saving electricity.
