1. Use power management

You'll do yourself a great big favour, because actually using energy saving settings will lower energy consumption as well as cooling costs, it will reduce noise and prolong battery life. Your monitor, hard drives, hard disks and computer will go into a low-power ''sleep'' mode after a period of inactivity, which you can set yourself (for example 15 minutes or less, or 30 minutes or less).

2. Turn off screensavers

You don't really need screensavers. Sure, they look nice, but they don't perform any vital functions. They just take a lot of energy (and your money) for no good reason.

3. Adjust your monitor's brightness

According to Intel, the brightest monitor setting consumes twice the power used by the dimmest setting. If you use a notebook, you can probably use the power brightness keys; Fn + Home (for up) or Fn + End (for down). On a desktop unit, the brightness controls can usually be found on the front of the monitor

4. Go on standby

Truly, going on standby can prove to be a huge power saver. Intel states that a typical monitor consumes 30 watts to 140 watts while on, but less than 3 watts while on standby. It is recommened that your computer goes to standby, if it's inactive for no more than 30 minutes. You can set your preferenes if you go to Power Options on your computer system.

5. If you're not using your computer, simply shut it off

Keeping various apps running or multiple tabs open in a browser that keep refreshing slows down your computer. It also shortens the battery life. So shut it off, when you stop using it.

It's simple and very efficient. Why not try it out?