wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Caller suggestion to remove cover from computer and cool it with an external fan is not such a great idea. Most computers have small built-in fans and the computer enclosures are designed to effectively direct cooling air from the fan, to where it is most needed within the computer. More important, the computer enclosure prevents electro-magnetic radiation and radio interference from exiting the computer and contaminating the computer surroundings. Radio emissions from an uncovered computer could interfere with vital public safety communications in some locations. The FCC sets safe emission level standards for computers and a computers complies with the standards only if its enclosure remains securely in place.

Next, the computer cover carries static electricity away from the internal working circuits within the computer. If an uncovered computer is zapped with a shot of static electricity, the computer could be damaged to the extent of requiring very expensive repair.

Finally, the concept that an external fan blowing on an uncovered computer saves energy, escapes me. The caller offered no scientific explanation to support her premise.

Summary: DON'T take the cover off your computer!

I use dimmers on most of my incandescent fixtures. It lowers energy costs and greatly lengthens the life of the bulbs.

Ed Lewit

Re energy conservation with home/work PC's:
A quick internet search reveals more detailed information. I think the guest was essentially correct, standby/hibernate is the best way to manage the PC's energy consumption.

Shutdown vs standby:
http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/resources/technology/hardware/do_you_need_to_turn_off_your_pc_at_night.mspx

Using standby for maximum savings:
http://www.exoid.com/?page_id=47

I'm dubious about the suggestions for saving energy with computers, especially overnight. Is it better to send them into standby mode or shut them off completely?

Also I don't know that I would encourage the average user to crack open their desktop PC and stick a fan into it.

So is it better to turn one's computer off at night or to put it on standby? (I don't think the guest answered this exactly--did she say that standby is better than turning it off at night?)

if you have a nearly empty refrigerator, will it save energy to put a bunch of bottles of water in it? (cause the fridge doesn't turn on so often, since water conserves the cool) I've been doing this without knowing whether it actually works. Thanks!