What uses more energy leaving a light on or leaving a computer on?

Question

also does leaving a light on use more energy then a fan?

Answer 1

Generally a computer will use more energy than a light bulb. Then it depends on whether you are running a desktop or a laptop. There is only one way of checking how much power is being used is with a watt meter. They aren't expensive and they give a true reading of what the appliance is using. You can't take what is written on the back as there are too many variables to take into consideration. Such as , is your monitor on standby, screen saver or off. Monitor settings can change it's power consumption.  If you really want save energy and use energy wisely then the best thing to do is shut it down when you aren't going to be on with in the next 15 minutes.

I'm surprised that someone who has a wind and solar business doesn't know that to work out consumption can only be  from watts and amps but to know either one you need to know the voltage.

Answer 2

The computer, hot water heater, electric clothe dryer and oven is the highest energy consumers in the house.

If you really want to get technical just look at the back of your computer  and look at the wattage or voltage it uses and the same on the light bulb and the highest wattage or voltage number would be the winner.

Last, it also depends on what type of bulbs or fans your using.  Be sure to check out the voltage on the computer and convert it to watts if it's not displayed in watts.

Voltage to watts converter calculator:

Source:  http://www.jobsite-generators.com/power_...

Good Day

Answer 3

I think the computer uses very little power. I dont know about the light, is it one of those low energy light bulbs? If so, then its probably the lowest to use energy. A fan shouldn't be left on too much because the motor will wear out.

Answer 4

Definately the computer. It is best to shut it off when not in use, don't forget the monitor, printer, speakers and battey back up if you use one.

My electric bill is $70 less the last 2 months compared to the same months last year. The 2 big changes I made were line drying my clothes and shutting down the entertainment areas and computers at night.

I have a power strip by both TV's with the TV, VCR and game consoles plugged into them. When we are done with the TV we just flip the switch and no more standby electricity. I also shut my computer off then flip the swich on the battery back up and everything else goes off too. I had no idea I was wasting so much electricity. I also unplug all chargers when they aren't actually charging anything including my laptop.

Answer 5

yeah, owns a wind/solar business and doesn't know that current determines power, and not voltage? actually current times voltage gives you watts, but most everything we're using is 110V

some computers are energy hogs and can use up to a kilowatt or more, depending on monitors, etc.