Energy Questions and Answers
This section of the web site will be used to answer your Frequently Asked
Questions. Please email susank@bonair.stanford.edu
with any questions about energy conservation. We will do our best to post your question
and the answer within one week.
Q: Does
leaving a light on use less energy then turning it off and on several times? Does it make a difference what type of light it is (incandescent, compact
fluorescent)?
A: Leaving an incandescent light on actually uses more energy than turning it on and off as needed. When fluorescents were in their early stages of development and energy costs were low, there was some reason to avoid switching lights too often. However, for most compact fluorescent lights and today’s higher electricity costs, it’s cheapest to switch off lights even if you’re leaving a room for only a couple minutes. For a detailed discussion of light switching economics check out: http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/lighting_daylighting/index.cfm/mytopic=12280
Q: Where can I find more information about the 2001 energy crisis and rotating black outs?
A: Head to the Energy Information Administration web site for an analysis of the 2001crisis. For the latest news about the California electricity grid, view the Independent System Operator's (ISO) real-time data at http://www.caiso.com/outlook/SystemStatus.html
Q: Does leaving a computer on use less energy than turning it on and off?
A: Turning a computer off when you are not using it saves energy and is also better for the machine. Don't worry about wear on the computer from turning it on and off repeatedly. This was once a problem in the early days of personal computers, but now your computer undergoes more wear from running constantly than from being turned off when not in use. Turning computers off when they're not being used lowers the amount of dust buildup inside, which helps them last longer while saving you money. See another response to this question at: http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/makingithappen/no_regrets/homeoffice.html