When I have visitors to my home they often wonder why the TV doesn't go on when they push the power button or why is the microwave clock dark. The simple answer is - power surge strips. I use them all over the house to reduce 'vampire energy loss'. All of those fabulous electronics that I absolutely cannot live without are constantly sucking up electricity when plugged in. Anything that is plugged in is probably drawing some small bit of current when we are not looking. And if there is a remote control that goes with that equipment you are guaranteed that there is electricity is being used up when the equipment is waiting for you to turn it on.
Experts estimate that you can save from 5-10% off your energy bill by getting unplugged. For most of us that translates in $130 dollars in instant savings. A study at Cornell University put the average savings at a whopping $200 per household. The Department of Energy estimates that stand by power can be up to 20% of the total home energy use. Even your little tiny phone charger is bleeding energy and money from your wallet when it is left plugged in.
Along with the money there is the reality of using less energy and leaving a smaller carbon footprint in our wake. You can help save the environment without barely lifting a finger. Many of my strips are on the floor and I turn them on and off with my foot. But seriously, there are even smart power strips on the market that actually turn off appliances in vampire mode or turn of all appliances when the motion detector built in says no one has been in the room for an extended period of time.
When buying new toys (and we all need more toys - I currently have my eye out for a larger monitor), look for the Energy Star rating. Computers with this designation use 70% less electricity than a model without the designation. Back in the old days we were all told never to turn off your computer because it would not last as long. This is an "Old Wives Tale" that comes from the time before current time when mainframes roamed the world. So go ahead and turn off the computer. Push the power button and free yourself from the constant hum of the machines.
Visit the Department of Energy for more energy saving tips
Home Energy Saver - The first web based do it yourself energy audit from the Department of Energy
Energy Savers Booklet - Tips of Saving Energy and Money at Home
Shannon Aldrich (c) 2009
Keller Williams Coastal Realty Portsmouth NH
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