[mtrent]

These new big screen televisions are a great asset to any home, but they can also be a liability to your utility bill. Many of them remain on standby even when they are turned off, using almost as much energy as when they are in use.

By unplugging your television when you are not watching it will eliminate that "phantom load" and other electronics that use energy while not being used such as cell phone chargers and computers also.

[workinman]

very true.. and goes for all major appliances... i keep them all on power strips and shut them down when not in use

[Green-Moo]

I am forever finding mobile phone chargers plugged in here. How do you get this through to the rest of the family when they just don't seem to 'get it'?

[tater03]

You know what kills me is they don't tell you that if you leave it on standby that it uses that much electricity. They make it sound like it uses a lot less.

[mtrent]

Originally Posted by tater03

You know what kills me is they don't tell you that if you leave it on standby that it uses that much electricity. They make it sound like it uses a lot less.

I totally agree with you on that one tater. Instruction manuals should give warnings to consumers.

[Kitten]

Yeah, so many things remain on when you turn them "off"....gotta check into it.

[mtrent]

It does pay off to find out what electrical appliances do remain on even though they are not being used.

[tater03]

I know my parents thought you should not unplug or turn off your computer because it wasn't goo for it. I had to explain that was for the older computers.

[justontime]

Originally Posted by Green-Moo

I am forever finding mobile phone chargers plugged in here. How do you get this through to the rest of the family when they just don't seem to 'get it'?

I have that problem too, it drives me mad and I tell them about it so often that they just think I am nagging. If someone could invent a plug that showed when it was using power maybe we would all be much more careful.

[RFL1986]

That would be a great concept and would probably end up going a long way. I know that a visual cue for me would be a huge factor and reminder toward keeping me vigilant in unplugging unnecessary appliances.