Personal computers became popular in the 1970s and a lot has changed in the world of technology since then. We’ve debunked a few of the most common computer energy-usage myths to help you better, more efficiently use your computer or laptop.

Myth #1: Putting your computer to sleep is the same as shutting it down.

Shutting your computer down is the best, most energy-efficient approach when your computer or laptop is not in use. That being said, implementing Sleep Mode throughout the day can be very effective in conserving energy. Set up your computer or laptop to automatically enter Sleep Mode after 15 minutes of no use, to help save electricity during periods of time when shutting it down isn’t an option.

Myth #2: All computers use the same amount of electricity.

Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Depending on a variety of factors, your computer or laptop uses a varying amount of electricity to run. Gaming computers, for example, require more power – while all computers that are connected to multiple monitors, printers and other hardware items will also use more power.

Myth #3: Turning computers back on requires a surge of power.

Back when computers were a new at-home device, this was more true than it is today. Nowadays the “surge” of power computers require to boot up is so minuscule, that it’s actually difficult to measure. So don’t worry about shutting down and turning back on your computer.