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ENERGY STAR in Australia
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Computers

Using ENERGY STAR

Will your product be enabled when you buy it?

Consumer electronics - TVs, VCRs, audio products and DVD players

Most ENERGY STAR compliant consumer electronics are sold with the energy saving features already enabled (or activated), so you start saving immediately without doing anything.

Office equipment - computers, printers and photocopiers

Except for computers, most ENERGY STAR compliant office equipment is sold with the energy saving features enabled, so as with consumer electronics, you start saving straight away. This includes fax machines, scanners, photocopiers and printers.

Computers and monitors may need to have their ENERGY STAR features activated before you start saving.

Has ENERGY STAR been enabled on your computer?

Power saving features

If, after your computer has been idle for 15 minutes or more, the screen goes blank and there is little or no noise coming from the system unit, then your system:

  1. is ENERGY STAR compliant, and
  2. the power saving features are enabled.

When the power saving features are active there may also be other indications, such as the computer's 'power' light flashing.

What if the computer doesn't power-down when it's left idle?

The computer may still be compliant with the ENERGY STAR standard, but the energy saving features may not be enabled. To enable the features, see the Step-by-step instructions.

Your computer is ENERGY STAR compliant if:

  1. there is an ENERGY STAR sticker on the computer
  2. the screen displays the ENERGY STAR symbol when it's switched on
  3. information about ENERGY STAR compliance is included in the manual or other documentation supplied by the manufacturer.

If you're still not sure whether your computer is ENERGY STAR compliant, you can phone the manufacturer, or check their website. Refer to the list of manufacturers who are ENERGY STAR Partners.

Screensavers don't save power

Don't confuse power saving features with the operation of a 'screensaver' pattern. Screensavers don't save power and can actually prevent energy saving features from working.

Enabling ENERGY STAR on your computer

If your computer complies with the ENERGY STAR standard but its energy saving features are not enabled, you can download the Step-by-step instructions. These explain how to enable ENERGY STAR features on most common types of computers and monitors.

If you still have any technical issues or questions after you've followed these instructions, you could contact the manufacturer of your machine.