The amount of electricity that your computer uses while it is running depends on several factors:
the processor size, the type monitor, and peripherals that are running while the computer is on,
the age of the computer and how the machine is being used. . Newer technology is more energy efficient.
Depending on those variables the range can be from close to $6.00 per year to close to $400 per year.
That�s a huge range. According to our source, using the computer can require from
60-250 watts of electricity. Using a screen saver does not increase that number.
A laptop�s range can be from 15-45 watts. Again, the amount of electrical power used varies depending
on what you are actually doing and what kind of machine you have. A computer in sleep/standby mode uses from
1-6 watts. A monitor�s range can be 17-31 watts for a 17� LCD to 80 watts for a 17� CRT. A monitor
in sleep mode can use 0-15 watts. So it makes sense to set the computer to sleep when not in use.
It does not harm or use more energy to turn off a computer and turn it back on so the best way
to save energy with a computer is to buy modern equipment , set it to sleep mode after 15 minute
of no use and turn it off at night or you are not going to be using it for awhile.
To determine the cost of electricity per kilowatt hour in your state, visit the website linked
HERE
or get the cost per kWh from your monthly power bill.
Then use the calculator at the bottom of this page.