Surf the Web and Save Money December 19, 2007

Are you planning to replace your computer or buy one as a Christmas present?

The EPA recently announced new specifications for desk and laptop computers that mean newly qualified computers are about 65 percent more efficient than they were about six months ago. There are over 500 newly qualified product models already on the shelves that will reduce your energy bill and greenhouse gas emissions. Since the stringent new requirements for Energy Star computers became effective in July, more than 35 manufacturers offer products that save energy. If every U.S. household and business replaced old computers with new Energy Star qualified models, we would save more than $1.8 billion in energy costs over the next five years and avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to more than 2.7 million cars.

How can you tell if a computer is an Energy Star product?

Manufacturers must display the Energy Star label on the product and its packaging, in product literature, and on Web sites to clearly indicate which products meet the new specification. Qualified product listings can also be found on Energy Star’s Web site at: http://www.energystar.gov/. Click on ”Computers“.

Computers were the first product to qualify for EPA’s Energy Star label in 1992. The United States now has more than 180 million computers in use that consume nearly 58 billion kWh per year or about two percent of the nation’s annual electricity consumption. Products that have earned the Energy Star designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. The Energy Star means three things to a consumer:

• The product uses energy more efficiently than a conventional product.
• The product is cost-effective for consumers to buy.
• There is no sacrifice in quality.

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