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Aug 13, 2008 -- Save up to $60/year on your computer's energy expenses
One of the easiest ways to lower your electric bill is to reduce the power your computer uses when not in use. In fact, "Dracula" or vampire electronics account for some 5 cents of every $1 you pay for electricity.
Here's the good news: You can reduce consumption by 95% by going through a simple series of tweaks at ClimateSaversComputing.org. This move can save you up to $60/year!
Unfortunately, Clark won't be able to answer any questions submitted via commenting. If you have a question, please try posting it to our message boards.
Here's where the "how to" instructions are on the site
If you are running XP or Win 2000, shouldn't your computer already have this capability?
Power Managment Program
The easiest way to get to the power management program on the website is to click "Tools" and then look at the section on "Power Management Tools." I used the first link--the EPA Easy Wizard
Read other comments first
Funny how no one reads the previous comments before they post.
EASY TO USE INSTRUCTIONS
EXCELLENT WEBSITE
Link
The link does not take you directly to the directions, however, I found it under FAQ's about the power management tools
Here is the link
It wasn't easy to find, but there IS a page on that site that walks you through some steps.
I wwent through 5 different screens, and NEVER was able to find out how to "tweak my computer"! I didn't bother going further ! Unhappy with this recommendation!
power strips
Even walmart has power strips that has one "main" socket so that when you turn off that item (say your computer) everything else will shut down too so that you don't have to bend down and hit the power button button every time.
climatesaverscomputing.org no help
To Pat Grainger - mount your power stips on the wall behind the appliance. We did this behind our TV and there is no bending to switch off the power strip. In our office we mounted it to the inside wall of our desk.
So they don't actually GUIDE YOU THROUGH setting the power down mode on your computer. Nor do they link you to any websites that could show you how. I realize it is an easy as control panel, power settings but most probably don't know to do that.
Vampire Electronics
I can not believe how many ignorant people believe to the global warming expert Rush Limbaugh and other right wing wackos, little brain people can you widen your information sources ?
Vampire Electronics
I'm not into the Climate Savers stuff--I think global warming isn't a manmade phenomenon; however, I do want to save money, so I already follow the suggestions given in the survey. I won't, however, buy a PC just to conserve. Unless Mac has an energy conserver, the part about buying a new computer is out for me.
"Smart Power" strip
CG- Here's a blog article about one such device. This article has a lot of additional links for more info, other kinds, where to buy, etc.
I heard about an outlet that you plug your electronics into that you can wire up to a light switch and when you go to be at night you turn it off and all your electronics that are plugged into these outlets will go off saving yourself vampire consumption. I'm not sure what it is called though. Maybe Clark can find out for us.
Another climate change site--spare me
We need to be worrying more about the next ice age than we do global warming. Come on Clark, this little 3 part "test" is nothing more than a tool to get you to buy into the Climate Change Cult. I agree totally that we should conserve energy when possible for a variety of reasons--conserving resources, saving money, keeping our environment cleaner. HOwever, I am getting so turned off by the global warming crowd, that I am about ready to go buy a Yukon and turn my air conditioner to 50. Please don't support propaganda, Clark!
Susan
Clmate Savers Computing"
What a ripoff! This link is nothing more than one more time-wasting advertisement that is wholly unhelpful. It seems to be something Clark Howard goes out of his way to disdain. I'm extremely disappointed in these tactics. Thanks, Evelyn
power
I always wonder if leaving appliances, i.e. lamps, hair dryers, toasters that are not in use still use up electricity?
Climate Savers Computing
I thought that this would involve some type of software on my computer which would turn off even more power after a period of time of misuse. I do have everything plugged in a power strip but I'd have to get down on arthritic knees to unplug or turn off the strip. When I move I'll try to discover a more convenient way to get to the strip.
