|
 One study found a surprising number of “Always On”
electrical devices in our homes:
• Coffee makers and other small appliances with built-in clocks
• Cable/satellite, game and other TV connecting boxes- plus the TVs
themselves
• Many things connecting to a home computer
In addition, start the search for things draining your electricity
in the basement, attic, garage and unused/little-used rooms. If
something displays a small glowing light or clock… it’s always on! I
found dehumidifiers and an automatic, thermostat-controlled room fan
left on all winter. A year ago, I gained the courage to dispose of a
second refrigerator and started using LED (energy saving) light
bulbs to cut electricity costs. Remember a rule-of-thumb… if out of
a room for more than fifteen minutes, turn lights and stuff off.
Un-plug things in guest rooms.
All power converter and re-charger plugs are consuming electricity…
un-plug them when not charging the device/phone/ camera.
[to top of second
column] |
A good practice is to plug electronic, entertainment devices into
power strips where one switch each night turns off multiple things. The same can
work pretty well in the kitchen, too.
One would hope that equipment makers were focused on helping you
save electricity, but that often isn’t true. Except for larger appliances using
the energy-star or similar standard, most devices in your home have had little
scrutiny about lowering your operating costs. Smart meters supplied by your
electric company, LED lighting, and some monitoring devices are notable
exceptions.
Vigilance is your best cost-cutting strategy. So, remember that anything that
glows or remains plugged in should be questioned. If it adds to your safety,
leave it on. If it is simply a convenience ask “what is it worth”? Tour your
living space six times per year just to be sure that you have everything the way
that you want it. Plan ahead to make larger, energy-saving purchases.
[Steven Groner, Community Economics
Educator, University of Illinois Extension] |
