How to Save Energy When Gaming

This article is your guide to learning the best tips for saving on gaming energy costs. There are easy things like making sure you’re in power-saving mode and then make sure to turn your device off after you’re done gaming.

If you want to read more about saving energy while gaming, keep reading.

Here at The Energy Professor, we want to give you the information you need to not only save money on your energy bill, but to also become more energy efficient. We hope you find this post helpful! And makes it easier for you to know more about being more energy efficient when gaming. Be sure to also check out our one of a kind energy savings calculator!

The Energy Professor Electricity Rate Check Tool 

Energy Saving Tips for Gamers

We all love getting lost in our favorite games, but those epic gaming sessions can add up when it comes to energy use. Here are some easy tips to help you game more efficiently, save money, and be kinder to the planet.

Console Gaming Tips

1. Know Your Console’s Energy Use: Check how much power your console uses. For example, an Xbox One, PS5, or other gaming consoles have different energy needs depending on the model and how you use them.
2. Enable Energy-Saving Modes: Most consoles have settings that reduce power use when you’re not actively gaming. Using ‘energy-saving’ mode instead of ‘instant-on’ can significantly cut down on power consumption.
3. Turn Off When Not in Use: It may seem obvious, but turning off your console completely when you’re done gaming can save a lot of energy. Standby modes still draw power.
4. Unplug Accessories: Accessories like headsets and controllers can continue to draw power even when the console is off. Unplugging them can save even more energy.
5. Game During Off-Peak Hours: If your electricity provider charges less during certain times, try gaming during those periods to save on your bill.

PC Gaming Tips

1. Power Management: Use your PC’s power-saving features to reduce energy consumption when you’re not gaming.
2. Choose Efficient Components: Select components that offer a good balance between performance and power use. Newer models often use less power than older ones.
3. Unplug When Idle: If you’re not using your gaming PC, shut it down or put it in sleep mode to save energy.
4. Optimize Your Settings: Lowering graphics settings in your games can reduce the load on your PC’s components, saving energy without a huge impact on your gaming experience.
5. Efficient Power Supply: Use a high-efficiency power supply unit (PSU). PSUs rated 80 Plus Gold or higher waste less energy as heat, making your PC more efficient overall.

Does Gaming Use A Lot of Electricity?

Yes, gaming can use a significant amount of electricity, especially with high-performance setups. The average gaming PC uses about 300-500 watts, which can add up to a noticeable increase in your electricity bill. For instance, gaming PCs can add around 1,400 kWh to your annual electricity usage, which is a significant chunk of the average household’s energy use.

Related Post: How Much Energy Do Gaming Computers Use?

Specific Gaming Console Tips to Save Energy

Xbox Specific Gaming Tips

The Xbox series offers features designed to save energy without sacrificing performance. Understanding the energy usage of your Xbox can help you manage its consumption more effectively.

1. Understand Xbox Energy Use: Check how much power your Xbox uses. Knowing this helps you manage its energy consumption better.
2. Use ‘Xbox Standby’ Mode: This mode reduces power draw during inactivity, so your console isn’t wasting energy when not in use.
3. Enable ‘Xbox Power Saving’: This feature adjusts energy usage in real-time based on your gaming activity, balancing power consumption and performance.

PlayStation Specific Gaming Tips

PlayStation consoles also have built-in features to help conserve energy.

1. Know Your PlayStation’s Energy Use: Familiarize yourself with the wattage of your PS4 or PS5 to better understand their energy dynamics.
2. Utilize Rest Mode on PS4: This mode helps save energy during downtimes. Learning how to use it effectively can make a big difference.
3. Adjust Power Saving Settings on PS5: The PS5 has settings to help manage power consumption. Adjust these based on your gaming habits to optimize energy use.

By utilizing these features, you can reduce your gaming console’s energy consumption and save on your electricity bill without compromising your gaming experience.

Related Post: How Many Watts Does a Video Game Console Use?

PC Energy Usage

PC gaming offers amazing graphics and gameplay, but these powerful machines can also use a lot of energy, leading to higher electricity bills and a bigger environmental footprint. Here are some tips to reduce your PC’s energy use while still enjoying your gaming experience:

1. Enable Power Management Features: Use your operating system’s built-in power-saving settings to reduce energy consumption when you’re not gaming. This can include setting your PC to sleep mode after a period of inactivity.
2. Choose Efficient Components: Select components that provide a good balance between performance and power consumption. Modern CPUs, GPUs, and power supply units (PSUs) with high efficiency ratings (like 80 Plus Gold or Platinum) can save energy and reduce heat output.
3. Optimize Graphics Settings: Lowering the graphics settings in your games can decrease the load on your PC’s components, thereby reducing energy use without significantly impacting your gaming experience.
4. Unplug When Idle: If you’re not using your gaming PC, shut it down or put it into sleep mode to save energy. Even in sleep mode, your PC will use significantly less power than when it’s fully on.
5. Maintain Your PC: Keep your PC clean and well-ventilated to ensure it runs efficiently. Dust buildup can cause your PC to overheat and use more energy to cool down.

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy your favorite games while being kinder to your wallet and the environment.

Related Post: How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use?

Saving Energy While Gaming FAQ

Q: Is it better to turn off my gaming console when not in use or leave it in standby mode?

A: Turning off your gaming console completely when you’re not playing can save a considerable amount of energy compared to leaving it in standby or paused on a game screen, as these modes still draw power.

Q: Can gaming during off-peak hours help save on energy costs?

A: Yes, if your energy provider offers different rates for different times of the day, gaming during off-peak hours can help reduce your electricity bill. Off-peak hours are typically at night or early in the morning when demand is lower.

Q: Do gaming PCs use more energy than consoles?

A: Generally, gaming PCs can consume more energy than consoles because they often have more powerful hardware. However, you can mitigate some of this by selecting energy-efficient components, enabling power management settings, and keeping your system well-maintained to avoid overworking the hardware.

Do you Need Cheaper Electricity?

If you’ve taken the time to understand the information on your bill and discovered you’re paying more than you’d like for your electricity, have you looked around for a cheaper deal? The Energy Professor has a wealth of information on ways to save on your utilities, including details of top deals that could significantly reduce your monthly or quarterly electricity bills.

We hope you found this article helpful! If you are looking for ways to increase the energy efficiency and sustainability in your home be sure to take a look at all of the latest renewable energy options in your area. The Energy Professor helps residential and small business owners find qualified energy suppliers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Maryland, Illinois, and Massachusetts