You want to save energy, but you need to use your PC every day. So maybe you just resort to turning off your computer when you’re not using it. But a plugged-in PC or electrical appliance, even when turned off, consumes standby power. Here are some tips on how you can save energy with your PC.
1. Disconnect your external devices
Devices that connect to your PC like printers, sound systems, and webcams consume power, too. That’s why you should disconnect or remove these devices from your PC as soon as you’re done using them.
2. Use a smart strip, especially for computers you cannot turn off
A smart strip is a series of several electrical outlets in one strip, with circuits to monitor and maximize your gadgets’ power consumption. By connecting your PC and its peripherals (printer, speakers, scanners, etc.) to the smart strip, you don’t need to unplug your equipment when you’re not using them.
3. Adjust your computer’s energy settings
You can also consume less energy by adjusting your PC’s power settings. For example, you can make sure your hard drive and monitor go into “sleep” mode when they’re left idle for a few minutes. Lowering the screen brightness will also help you save electricity.
4. Shutdown and unplug your computer when not in use
If you are not yet using a smart strip, then it’s best to shut down the computer when you’re not using it. Also, make sure to unplug it, as leaving it plugged consumes standby power.
5. Use a charger only when charging your laptop
When we charge our laptops, it’s easy to just leave them there and forget about them. This results in the eventual degrading of the battery. Leaving the charger plugged on the wall also consumes standby power. So either use a wall outlet with a timer, or plug your charger on a smart strip instead.
6. And should you be in the market for a new PC, choose one that’s Energy Star compliant
Energy Star is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s symbol for energy efficiency. Every product that earns the Energy Star symbol is guaranteed to deliver quality performance and energy savings. Studies have shown that a single Energy Star compliant computer and monitor can save from $7 to $52 per year in electricity bills.
Saving energy is a combination of smart choices in hardware plus developing good energy-conservation habits. These tips should help you achieve that. If you need assistance in choosing the best hardware for your needs, call us and we’ll be glad to help you out.
PC energy saving tips: South Florida Business Takeaways
PC energy saving tips is more than a one-time setting change for business users. Nextek IT helps South Florida teams turn everyday technology tips into repeatable standards for security, productivity, and support.
Power settings can lower waste, but they should not interrupt patching, remote support, backups, or security monitoring. Business PCs need a balance between energy savings and manageability.
- Document the recommended setting or process so employees can follow it consistently.
- Apply the change across managed devices instead of relying on one-off fixes.
- Review the result during regular endpoint, Microsoft 365, or cybersecurity maintenance.
Nextek IT helps companies configure practical endpoint standards that save energy without creating support gaps.
For help applying PC energy saving tips across your company, explore Nextek IT’s fully managed IT services, server and desktop support, and cybersecurity services. You can also review CISA’s Secure Our World guidance for practical security basics.
Contact Nextek IT when your South Florida team wants these improvements handled by an IT support partner instead of manually page by page.