As companies and families alike look to cut costs in every which way, saving energy is probably one of the easiest and most efficient ways to save money, not to mention the “green” benefits it offers.

Fact: Turning off machines when they are not being used can result in enormous energy savings.

Here are some other facts, common misconceptions and simple fixes you can do to cut down on your monthly energy bills.

Saving Energy – Did You Know:

• In the average home, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off.
• Laptop computers consume 90% less energy than desktop computers.
• The transformer in the AC adapter of a laptop draws power continuously, even when the adapter is not plugged into the laptop.
• Ink-jet printers consume 90% less energy than laser printers.
• Printers with automatic “power down” features can reduce electricity use by over 65 percent.
• Turning a light back on does not use more electricity than leaving it on, but fluorescent fixture life is decreased if switching is too frequent.
• Lighting accounts for 5 percent to 10 percent of total energy use.
• Televisions and their accessories (DVRs, DVD players, cable boxes, etc.) account for nearly 15 percent of home energy use.
• OLED televisions are up to nearly 40% more energy effiecient than regular plasma and LCD displays.

Common Energy Saving Misconceptions:

• Computer equipment lasts longer if it is never turned off.

This was only true back in the day of the mainframe computer. Today’s computer equipment is built to handle regular shutdowns and power saving modes.

• Monitors use less energy when screen savers are used.

Screen savers do not cause monitors to use less energy. Using  your Power Options Properties to automatically turn off monitors  or manually turning off monitors always saves more energy.

What You Can Do To Save Energy:

• Always buy ENERGY STAR qualified products for your small business and consider models that power down after a period of inactivity. The ENERGY STAR mark indicates the most efficient appliances, computer and office equipment.
• Turn off all desktops, monitors, printers, and photocopiers every night and when not being used. If you can’t shut down the computer, turn off the monitor and printers.
• Unplug appliances or connect a power bar and use the switch on the power bar to cut all power to the appliances.
• Unplug battery chargers when the batteries are fully charged or when the chargers are not in use.
• Turn off lights or use dimmers in any room when lights are no longer needed.
• Buy printers with power management capabilities.

Start implementing these tips in your workplace and home and start enjoying the benefits of a smaller energy bill each month.