Ways to Reduce a Gadget’s Power Drain
Every month I cringe when I see the electric bill arrive in the mailbox. I know my little gadget filled family uses far more electricity than we should. A quick glance around any room in my home will yield several gadgets that are in constant use of electricity. As I do consider myself to be somewhat a tightwad, I am always on the lookout for ways to cut down on my electric bill.
Four Ways to Reduce a Gadget’s Power Drain provides several useful tips to help do just that.
Check this, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, electronics account for 15% of the average household’s annual energy bill. The average family is expected to pay an estimated $2,350 for electricity and natural gas this year. That’s about $352.50 that powers every gadget that uses an outlet in your home. Of that amount, standby power — energy consumed by devices when they’re plugged in but not in use — represents as much as 75%, or roughly $264.
That’s a lot of jack for something you’re not using, isn’t it?
Here are just a few tips Kelli B. Grant suggests at reducing your families needless electricity use.
- Use power strips. Plug all the office or entertainment center stuff into one strip and turn the strip off when you are away from home or going to bed.
- Upgrade to a smart-home system. Installing smart sensors and outlets along with home management software can allow you to put items on a power schedule and even turn items off when you aren’t home.
- Change your settings. Make sure you are using the energy saving settings on things like computers instead of having them on at full power all the time.
- Buy the most energy efficient models of new items. Look for Energy Star ratings on everything from a freezer to phone and MP3 player chargers.
While this seems simple enough, it can be difficult to implement any major plan that covers an entire household.
What are some of the measures your family takes to reduce your energy usage?
(image: stock.xchng)
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2 opinions for Ways to Reduce a Gadget’s Power Drain
alan
Aug 28, 2008 at 5:36 pm
this is a really good article, anything that can save us money with the ever rising cost of energy has to be good, i always make sure to unplug my electrics when not in use, some very good toips there i will try,
Marwan
Aug 30, 2008 at 9:25 am
That’s Great tips. Greater tips for saving money
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