Why Do Monitors Have Such Poor Energy Ratings?
If you’ve got a laptop, enjoy video streaming or gaming, or want a few more screens to work with, chances are you have a computer monitor. Monitors work as displays for our PCs, allowing us to multitask and use various apps and sites at the same time.
However, computer monitors are notoriously inefficient when it comes to energy usage, with many models falling into the E, F, or G rating category. So, why is this the case, and what can you do to reduce the energy usage of your monitor?
Why Are Computer Monitors So Energy-Inefficient?
Display technology, particularlyTVs and monitors, is not very efficient. This is because the energy output is very high compared to other devices.
According toDigital Europe, display technology has achieved energy efficiency improvements of 41.3% since 2011. However, there’s still a long way to go, as many display-based devices still have a poor energy rating.
This is because TVs and monitors have a very high energy output, which affects their overall efficiency. Constantly displaying a bright screen, especially if you’re streaming or gaming, means your monitor has to have a high electricity output.
Any device with an energy rating below D is considered to have below-average efficiency.
However, it’s also worth noting that some countries have made their energy ratings stricter to lower their environmental impact. The EU, for example, released a new energy rating chart in March 2021. The new chart reconsiders the devices with A+, A++, and A+++ ratings, removing these three categories and pushing many previously placed at the top of the chart to B, C, or D grades.
This has a trickle-down effect, meaning a monitor considered a D rating a few years ago is now an E or F. This might be why you’re seeing even more monitors with a low energy rating enter the market.
Do Energy Ratings Really Matter?
In short, yes. Energy ratings are important to consider. The energy rating of a given product reflects how it will affect your electricity bill and the environment. These are official outlines provided by governments and organizations that you should take note of if you’re concerned about your home’s energy efficiency.
Different countries have different energy rating procedures. For example, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of EnergyEnergy Starprogram outlines which products, homes, and buildings are the most energy efficient. The overall goal of Energy Star is to help individuals and businesses lower their negative environmental impact and save money.
In the UK, on the other hand, electrical products come with an energy rating label, ranging from A to G. As you may have guessed, A-rated products are the most energy-efficient, whereas G-rated products are the least. Many monitors fall into the D-G range, which means they’re not great for your monthly bill or the planet.
How to Reduce Your Monitor’s Energy Usage
Reducing your monitor’s energy usage can help to slightlylower your electricity billand make you a more eco-friendly tech user.
To do this, you might want to consider lowering your monitor’s brightness. A nice bright screen is great, but this can significantly increase the energy output of your monitor. What’s more, a very bright screen can be damaging to your eyes. Your brightness doesn’t have to be at a minimum if this impedes your experience, but just taking it down a few notches can certainly make a difference.
Additionally, verify you’re not leaving your monitor on if you’re not using it. Your monitor may automatically start up if it is hardwired to your PC, but if you don’t need both displays, make sure you cut this connection by removing theHDMI cable. If your monitor isn’t in use, consider unplugging it from its power source, too.
Computer Monitors Can Eat Up Energy
While many of us love our computer monitors, there’s no denying that the vast majority of these devices have a low energy rating. So, if you use a monitor regularly, try some of the tips above to lower its energy output as much as possible.
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