Want to Save Money and Electricity? Cut Back On ‘Sleeping Mode’ Drain!
It’s simple to cut this costly power consumption by unplugging these devices when they’re not in use. Of course, it will be rather inconvenient if you unplug off some devices, things like clock, cordless phones or computer servers.
For example, if you unplug your alarm clock, the time settings will be erased and you will have to set the time again when you switch it on, and the satellite and cable boxes always need power. But many devices like cell phone chargers, printers, print servers, fax machines, laptop charging cords, power supplies for computer speakers, and etc, really don’t have the need to be on or even in “phantom mode” overnight. Simply leaving the computer monitor to be on standby draws extra energy needlessly.
The easiest solution to this? Simply pull out the electronic appliances from the main power outlet and transfer them to a extendable power cord with individual switches, and turn the power strips off when the devices will not be needed for several hours, like overnight.
It is very easy now and you just have to plug in all the affected gadgets into this extension power strip, and preferably one with a power surge protector and turn it off when you leave for the night, and then turn it back on in the morning. As you can see, this solution is a no brainer as the power strip we mention is widely availably in home convenience stores. This is the easiest way one can save money off the power bill each month, and also doing your part to make the Earth greener.
Plug your computers, monitors, printers, speakers, external hard drives, USB hubs, etc. into a switchable power strip (preferably one with surge protection built in) and turn it off when you leave for the night, and then turn it back on in the morning.
Moreover, some of the chargers only work at night, so my suggestion is to plug these chargers right to another power strip that you turn on when you plug in your “daytime devices” to charge at night.
Then, in the morning to start your day, turn off the power strip with the chargers for the cell phone and other “rechargeable daytime devices” and turn on the daytime working devices like the computer, etc. The crux of the matter is that you need to constantly think about energy usage and switch off when necessary those devices that you are not using for some time.
You’ll save a great deal of power, lower your electric bill, and save resources used to create the power that will not have to be generated. Even if you create the power with your own wind and solar generators, if you use less running your electronics, you will have more for other things.
This method truly goes well for me in my family and the savings could be in the range of $10 or $20 dollars as I have more than 10 devices at home that need standby modes.
In conclusion, if you want to lower the home energy bills, this is a method you need to explore. We also need to do our part to educate our children the importance of having a good habit when it comes to energy usage.