How many appliances and electronic devices actually need to be plugged in all day long? How many of those appliances that are always plugged in do you actually use everyday? When you start thinking about it there are probably a lot of appliances and electronic devices draining energy that you rarely use.
One of the biggest energy drainers is that extra refrigerator in the garage or basement. Do you really have so much food that you need an extra refrigerator just for drinks? Couldn’t you find a little extra space in your fridge to put a 12 pack of soda or beer?
Other ideas include small kitchen appliances. Your toaster, coffee pot, can opener, blender, etc. all drain small amounts of energy throughout the day and night. How often do you really use the blender or can opener? Most of us actually don’t even use any of these appliances on a regular basis. Leave them unplugged until you actually use them and the pull the plug when you are done.
More electric drainers in the family room include the DVD player, CD changer, and surround sound, tivo or DVR, cable boxes, and even the television. Even though they only drain a small amount of electricity these electric devices start to add up quick. It’s easier to plug them into a power strip and simply unplug the strip during the day. It takes about 3 seconds to unplug it and then plug it back in when you need them.
Moving on to the next room the home office. Most computer users keep their computer plugged in and powered on all day and night. Hook up everything involved with your computer to a power strip and pull the plug before you go to bed. Items related to your computer include a printer, scanner, modem, router, and monitor. That’s a big list of energy drainers.
According to the government’s energy star program, 40% of the electricity that home electronics use is consumed while the products are turned off. The impact of this on your energy bill will depend on your particular situation–one Berkely study suggests the savings would be 6 to 26% off your total power bill.
It may not sound like a lot of savings but if you are one of the major power users who has a lot of appliances plugged in all day everyday you could save 25%. If your energy bill is about $120 per month that’s about $360 per year to keep those little red lights burning. If you are a penny pincher this is a great money saving idea!
