Yes, Fax machines will use a large amount of energy. This is unavoidable when they are left on 24 / 7. An energy efficient unit to various degrees can be identified by units with Energy Star labels. Make sure the Fax you are buying is the most efficient model made, thus having at least the following features:

- Low energy consumption when in the sleep mode

- Both sides of the plain paper can be printed on

- Ink Jet model

Watchdog in Action:
You may want to have a Laser Fax machine because of the highest printing quality, but BEWARE, they have the Highest purchase cost and the Highest Electric consumption. No saving energy help here or our environment for that matter.

A Fax machine that uses those rolls of heat-sensitive paper will cost far less to buy, but the paper is very costly. In addition to the high cost of the paper, that heat-sensitive paper does not maintain images for long.

All in all, the Ink Jet Fax machine will have a difference in energy cost and paper cost that will justify its purchase in less than two years on average. Also keep in mind:

- Sleep Modes save SOME energy.

- ONLY if possible, because you don't expect to receive any Fax at night or over the weekend,
then Shutting off saves MORE energy.

- Saving ALL the energy is done by using a Power Strip specifically for your Fax machine that protects your equipment against power surges. (Power Surges, aka spikes or drops in voltage are more common from your utility company than lightning strikes which will fry everything no matter what Power Strip you have when there is a "direct" strike) This allows you to turn off the Fax all together. You can mount your Power Strip on the side or back of the fax machine stand so it is within easy reach. ONLY when possible because you do not expect to receive or send a Fax until you return, first shut off your Fax machine and then turn off the switch on the Power Strip stopping all electrical consumption.

When shutting the Power Strip OFF you are now saving 100% on the electric bill, because the Fax can no longer draw any electricity through the plug to maintain a standby mode or to maintain time on the digital clock built into the screen of the Fax machine.* (Do you really need another clock keeping time?)

One major possible advantage to having a plain paper, double sided, ink jet Fax machine is that you can use this to make copies! Thus avoiding the cost and expense with a Copy machine. However, this is feasible only when you make a few copies at any given time and pages you wish to be copy can feed through the Fax machine.