Computers use a lot of power. We have covered how to save energy on computers in the past.

Boray POWer helps saves energy by allowing you to slow down your computer’s processors during inactivity.

Verdiem has a new FREE home version of their Edison power management software for the PC available now.  It runs on Windows XP and Vista and helps you configure your computer to save energy. The Vista version should run under Windows 7. Use Edison to set up work time and non work time power profiles. Display money, energy and CO2 used.

AKS-Labs has Free WatchOverEnergy, an energy tracking and management software for Windows 9x, 2000, XP, NT. WatchOverEnergy program can activate stand-by mode for your monitor when you are not using the PC and when no important programs are running. Track energy saving in both watt-hours and dollars.

JSutils has energy saving utilities for Windows 2000, Windows XP/2003, Windows Vista and Windows 7. One program monitors the mouse, keyboard and CPU load and initiates computer shutdown if there has been no keyboard or mouse activity and the average CPU load has been below the threshold set for the specified time.

Granola for Windows and Linux is software that improves the energy efficiency of your PC or laptop. Server version is not free.

Sonar Power Manager puts your computer to sleep when ever you are away from it.

WinOFF is a utility program for Windows that allows you to schedule when your computer is shut down.

Eco Button Green Computer Energy Saver

Microsoft’s director of environmental sustainability has stated that “Probably 70 percent of business users leave PCs on at night for various reasons. That’s a lot of wasted energy”. Consumers need follow the same wasteful route.

I saw an interesting product at a computer store, the $30 Eco Button. Any time your computer is running and you are going to be away, you simply press the USB connected ecobutton™ and your computer is put into the most efficient energy saving mode available – they call this ‘ecomode’.

They claim it instantly sleeps and wakes computers. Eco Button also has software that displays how much energy you save. It will take a while to save the $30 it costs to buy it!

Here are some free tips for saving energy with your computer. Also consider installing a Digital Timer to control the smart power strip.

Greener Computer Printing

greenprint makes free computer software to eliminate unwanted pages saving paper, ink, money, and millions of trees. It works on Windows and Mac. The software analyzes each page and look for pages with nothing or wasted characters or just a little bit of print.

A reminder that there is a  Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency on Qualifying Windows, Doors, Storm Windows, Storm Doors, and Skylights. If you have been thinking about replacing these items, you might as well upgrade now and save some money.

For 2011, the Federal Tax Credit for energy efficiency drops to 10%, up to a $500 maximum. (2010 Federal Tax Credit information)

• Windows capped at $200
• Qualification now ENERGY STAR
• Existing home and principal residence.   New construction and rentals do not qualify.
• Expires December 31, 2011 – Consult the What other rebates are available? below for other possible rebates.

Pella even makes doors utilizing eco friendly, green, FSC Certified Rustic Walnut.

Consumer Reports.org has tips on selecting a door.

Storm Doors and Windows must meet International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) guidelines. Look for double glazed windows with an low emissivity (low-e) and a R-value of about two or three.

Energy Star has a store location finder to help you find local dealers.

The 2011 tax credit reverted to  2005-2008 levels. Anyone who previously took advantage of the program can’t apply for incentives that exceed $500.  IE If you claimed $500 between 2005 – 2008 on a previous energy efficiency project, or at least $500 tax credit from 2009 – 2010, you are ineligible for the 2011 energy efficiency tax credit.

If you used say $200 of the $500 energy efficiency tax credit from 2005 – 2008, and did not utilize the 2009 – 2010 energy efficiency tax credit, you would still have a $300 credit available.

Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit on Qualifying biomass fuel stoves or Wood Heat Stoves, Pellet Stoves, Fireplace Inserts.  There is also a Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency on Water Heaters, Wood Heat Stoves, Pellet Stoves, Furnaces and Boilers, Geo-Thermal Heat Pumps, Windows, Doors, and Skylights.

Double dip! Local utilities like PG&E have their own rebates for Energy Efficient Appliances. To find out if rebates or other incentives are available in your area, visit the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder.

See: Weatherize your home – Fix Leaky Ducts – Reducing Air Leaks