[mtrent]

Turning your appliances off does not keep them from using electricity. In fact most suck up juice while simply sitting in one of two standby modes: active, which could be a set-top DVR box programmed to record) or passive, which could be a rechargeable toothbrush resting in its base.

To save on the rising cost of your electric bill you could use a power strip cord that would allow you to shut devices completely off when not in use.

Certain devices to target with an annual standby kilowatt hour consumption:
RECHARGEABLE TOOTHBRUSH----12.3 RADIO---13.1
LCD COMPUTER MONITOR---22.8 DVD PLAYER ---78.8
CORDLESS PHONE BASE---28.9 MICROWAVE---35.1
LASER PRINTER---113.1 VCR PLAYER---92.2
LAPTOP---144.5 COMPUTER---311.4
GAMING CONSOLE---233.9 PLASMA TV---1452.4

[tater03]

I just found that out. I always thought that if it was in standby mode that was good. Now I see that you should completely unplug certain appliances.

[horselover]

Yikes, good to know.

But I can't unplug everything, I can't get at it all.

[RFL1986]

That's very good to know! A good tip is to put a lot of plugs into a power bar which can just be disconnected at the end of the day. At least this way it makes it much easier to get everything without a lot of effort and time.

[mtrent]

I even try to put my power bars into places that are easily accessed so that if I am going to be out of my apartment at any given period of time, then I am capable of simply pulling that energy plug.

[justjoy]

Here in the UK, we have switches at all of our plugs. It's typical of all households as far as I know. When not in use, we simply turn the plug off.

[atula]

I think its a good tip..but then something is always better than nothing...atleast in the standby mode like my pc...I'm saving something....and surely we should all use some basic rules like if you are sure you are not going to use the pc for more than an hour it is better to shut down completely and start again when need to use it....

[stav]

thing is Atula, it's better for the life of your pc if you DON'T keep turning it on and off.. and more economical... starting up uses up more power and increases wear and tear to the drive..... (it's the same thing with flourescent lights, such as kitchen strip lighting, leaving it on all evening until you are off to bed and not likely to need the kitchen again, is more efficient than switching it on and off as you go in and out all night... )

mine is an eco friendly machine that powers itself down when not in use for more than 5 mins... the monitor turns itself off after 5 mins also, but i don't turn it off at the plugs.. it is in a sort of 'sleep' mode, but instantly powers up when i move the mouse..

however practically every other appliance in my house is turned off at the power source whenever it is not being used. I do power down my pc as well if i am going to be away more than a day or two...

[tater03]

That is a great idea with the power strips. I will have to put mine where I can better reach it. That will definitely help a lot.

[Kitten]

I love using power strips. They're so convenient to just flip off and move on without having to think about it.