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You’re Using Energy Even When It’s Turned Off
By Admin | January 19, 2008
This is interesting.
Did you know that even when you turn off most of your electronic devices like a television, stereo, computer, dvd player still use energy?
In fact, the US Department of Energy notes that over 75% of the energy used by these devices, the “phantom load”, in a typical home is consumed while the devices are turned off. You may notice that most of the electronic devices have a standby setting and a light is usually on when you turn it off.
Since electronic devices normally average about 20% of a normal home electrical bill, that can account for a good amount of wasted energy use. You don’t use these devices, but still get billed for the energy use plus contribute to global warming, pollution and other environmental issues.
How can we avoid these “phantom loads”?
The best was is to unplug all electronic devices after they’re turned off. Unplugging each device can be cumbersome, so the easiest way is to get an energy saving power strip, plug all the devices into it and turn it off when they’re not in use with one flip of a switch. Some of the newer strips like the energy saving Smart Strip have autosensing built-in to switch off power automatically.
Another way to save is to look for Energy Star rated products when you purchase. These products are more energy efficient and will save you money in energy costs over the long term.
Here are a couple more strategies:
- instead of leaving your computer on overnight with a screen saver, turn the computer on ’sleep’ mode
- opt for a laptop instead of desktop. They are more energy efficient.
- opt for rechargeable batteries to power your portable equipment
- unplug battery chargers when they are finished charging. The adapter still pulls energy after they are charged.
- turn off your computer and unplug it if you plan to be away for more than 2 hours.
Another resource in your quest to reduce energy use and leave a smaller footprint is ‘The Home Energy Diet‘ from Mother Earth News. It helps by making you a more informed consumer, learning about your energy use, quantifying it and then finding ways to reduce it. It comes well reviewed and recommended by readers.
How do you save energy around the house? Share your comments and tips!
Topics: energy conservation, green house, green living | No Comments »
