If you’re looking to cut down on your office’s utility costs, selecting an energy-efficient monitor is a prudent choice. Monitors are known to consume power — remaining active even when your computer is in sleep or hibernation mode. Despite these energy-saving modes, monitors continue to draw power from the electrical outlet, albeit in reduced amounts. Some computer monitors, however, consume less power than others.
Look for the ENERGY STAR Label
Over the span of a year, the cumulative expenses of keeping a monitor operational round-the-clock can mount significantly. Fortunately, the industry has taken heed of the significance of energy efficiency. Monitors adorned with the ENERGY STAR label undergo certification for lower energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), monitors bearing the ENERGY STAR label exhibit energy efficiency improvements ranging from 5% to 7% in comparison to their non-labeled counterparts.
Consider the Size
The size of a computer monitor will affect its power consumption. Not surprisingly, bigger monitors consume more power than smaller monitors. They feature a larger display, meaning they require more light. If you’re looking to conserve energy, consider a smaller size that’s aligned with the applications for which you plan on using it.
Adjustable Brightness
Make sure the computer monitor offers an adjustable brightness level. It’s a common feature of most modern-day monitors. With an adjustable brightness level, you’ll have more control over the monitor’s lighting. You can increase the brightness level to make it brighter, or you can decrease it to make it dimmer. Lowering the brightness level will result in less energy being consumed.
Read the Reviews
Don’t underestimate the importance of reading reviews before making a purchase. Reviews from past customers can reveal the pros and cons of a computer monitor. Customers may praise a monitor’s energy efficiency. The only way you’ll know, however, is by reading the reviews.
High Contrast
Something to look for when choosing an energy-efficient computer monitor is a high contrast. Contrast is the difference between the lightest colors produced by a monitor and the darkest colors produced by a computer. Monitors with a high contrast are typically more efficient than those with a low contrast.
Go With OLED
Certain panel types exhibit varying degrees of energy efficiency as well. OLED monitors, in particular, stand out as highly efficient options. These monitors feature pixels composed of an organic film with electroluminescent attributes. The organic film emits light upon encountering an electrical current. Consequently, OLED monitors negate the need for backlighting. While they still consume power to illuminate the organic film, the absence of backlighting renders them notably more energy efficient.