By cajun62234 from Collinsville
By
11/18/2011
I've found that some electronics, especially newer ones, actually draw very little power when they are off. But, older electronics can draw a lot of power. A good rule of thumb is to feel whether the transformer is warm after the device has been off for a while. If it is then it is probably wasting electricity.
The "Kill-A-Watt" is a great tool for determining how much electricity your gadgets draw. You can plug it into the wall between the outlet and your power strip and then check to see how much power is drawn by your electronics overnight.
By
11/16/2010
This is something I do, not just with my computer peripherals, but wherever I can. My shredder, for example, is rarely used. That, I simply plug in just long enough to do the job. My coffeemaker is plugged in to a strip that only gets turned on long enough for the morning coffee. We're PIPP customers, and hubby won't usually read the details on the bill, but I know I'm saving!
One caution: if the item on the power strip is very expensive (like your computer,) you might want to "bite the bullet" and leave the strip on full-time. Even a $25/month savings on your electric bill isn't worth risking an item that costs $300 or more to replace if it gets fried! And that doesn't even factor in files that might not be recoverable!
Below you can read previous posts and comments about this topic. The discussions on this page has been archived 1 time. Select a discussion and read the feedback here.
(Archived Nov 14, 2010)Use Power Strips to Eliminate Energy Waste
The cell phone chargers and the printer are on one strip. This really makes a difference on your bill, even if you turn it on in the morning and off at night when you go to bed you will still see a tremendous difference on your bills. If you shut them off every time you turn them off you will save even more. You can leave the bedroom TVs turned on at night, so the remote control will work in the morning, then shut it off all day long when it's not in use.
By Diane from Rochester, MI
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By St. )ete Ken
By susanmajp
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