Maximizing Energy Savings With Timed Power Strips – They may seem like harmless appliances sitting quietly on a counter or against a wall, but TVs, computers, printers, coffee makers, and even electric toothbrushes can actively waste money while doing nothing. Some common home appliances continue to consume electricity when plugged in, even when not in use or turned on.
The energy used by these devices while not in use is sometimes called standby power, but it also goes by other names such as phantom load, shadow load, idle current, or vampire power. This constant power use increases your monthly electric bill.
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But there is a simple solution. Simply unplug the device when not in use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, unplugging these devices could save the average household up to $100 per year.
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Below, we’ll answer just how much money unplugging your appliances can really save you, and whether unplugging and replugging your appliances every day is worth the energy savings. (We’ll also give you tips on how to lower your water bills to maximize energy savings, how to set your thermostat to the optimal temperature to save money, and how to cut utility costs with energy-efficient laundry methods.)
Unplugging appliances may seem counterintuitive. After all, they’re off, so why suck up energy?
In fact, according to Energy.gov, even when appliances are turned off and plugged in, they actually still use energy. Regardless of whether your device is turned off or in standby mode, the worst attackers are:
Many people are shocked to realize how much standby power can be added. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, standby power accounts for 5 to 10 percent of residential energy use.
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However, how much you save may depend on how many devices you use and your device usage habits. For example, a Colorado State University educational experiment found that a combo radio/CD player/tape player consistently uses 4 watts regardless of whether it is in use or not. Unplugging when not in use saves 100x power over the life of the device.
A study published by the Natural Resources Defense Council (PDF) found that reducing the load on always-on appliances could save consumers a total of $8 billion annually and avoid using 64 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. There are also environmental benefits, including preventing 44 million metric tons of carbon dioxide pollution. NRDC estimated the cost of always-on devices to be up to $165 per year per household on average.
By purchasing a smart plug, you can save energy by controlling the power of almost any device you connect to it. This plug from Leviton is a top choice.
Of course, the first step is to unplug all devices that you don’t or don’t use often. Examples of devices that can be easily unplugged include TVs and set-top boxes in guest rooms. Additionally, you can usually easily unplug media players when not in use, such as radios or CD players. It may also be helpful to get into the habit of unplugging the charger when disconnecting your device from the charger. You might be surprised at how many devices we have attached that we no longer use. Examples might include an old cordless phone, an old media player, or a lamp that is more decorative than functional.
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However, unplugging and reconnecting everything can be tedious. This is especially true if the outlet is located in a difficult to reach location. If you don’t have access to an outlet, it will be difficult to keep up. Therefore, it is also possible to set up a way to further automate the phantom rod cutting process. You can connect your device to a surge protector. This allows you to turn off multiple devices with a single press of the power switch button. You can also use a timer to connect your device or connect it to a smart plug so that it starts automatically when the device is plugged in. For example, you can set your TV’s power time so that it only connects during peak usage times, such as evenings or weekends.
You can also purchase Energy Star products. Many of these products are rated to use less standby power than non-Energy Star rated products.
As electricity bills become higher and more erratic over time, finding ways to save on electricity costs is more important than ever. For example, in addition to unplugging devices in your home, you might want to take a look at our guide on how to turn off lights when not in use. Another key way to better influence your electricity/heating bills is to know the ideal temperature your home should be set to. You can also review our guide for quick tips to save money on your gas and electric bills, like turning down your water heater temperature or replacing your air filter.
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We thoroughly evaluate each company and product we review and ensure our stories meet our high editorial standards. ATLANTA, Feb. 10, 2016 // — Georgia Power is reminding customers that a few easy fixes around the home can help you stay warm during the cold winter months. Save money and energy by considering the weather. Making small changes to increase your home’s energy efficiency can result in big savings for your customers in the winter and throughout the year.
Easy Saving Georgia Power provides energy saving tools and resources to customers online at www.GeorgiaPower.com/save, including access to hundreds of easy energy tips, a free online energy check, or a free in-home energy audit. We work year-round. A variety of rebates and incentives for both homes and businesses. Step-by-step instructions for DIY are also easy to find on Georgia Power’s YouTube channel, and @GeorgiaPower on Twitter often features new #PowerfulSavings tips.
About Georgia Power Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of the largest electric power producers in the United States. Value, reliability, customer service and care are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to its 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates lower than the national average, Georgia Power offers a diverse range of energy sources that include nuclear, 21st Century coal, natural gas, as well as renewable energy such as solar, hydro and wind. Maintain an innovative power generation mix. Georgia Power focuses on providing world-class service to its customers every day, and J.D. We are consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com or connect with the company on Facebook at Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower and Twitter at Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower.
Georgia Power strengthens customer reliability and posts strong performance in 2023 Georgia Power is making valuable investments in Georgia’s energy grid as we continue to build its energy future, making it stronger and more resilient.
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Vogtle Unit 4 connected to grid for first time Georgia Power announced today that Unit 4 of the Vogtle Nuclear Expansion Project near Waynesboro, Georgia…ATLANTA, February 20, 2020 // –With temperatures expected to drop in some parts of the state in the coming days. Georgia Power reminds customers that small changes around their homes can result in big energy savings during times of fluctuating temperatures.
Tips, Tools and Resources Georgia Power offers efficiency tips, tools and resources to help all of our customers save money and energy all year long. Whether you own your home or rent, you can find hundreds of easy energy tips at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Save. The website also includes access to free online energy checks and a variety of rebates and incentives for both homes and businesses.
The company also offers GeorgiaPowerMarketplace.com, a single, convenient online portal featuring the most popular energy-saving and smart home products, including LED lighting, smart thermostats and more.
Bill Payment Assistance Georgia Power also offers bill payment assistance. The company can work with customers to coordinate payment plans and discounts, such as low-income senior discounts, and connect them with community organizations that can help pay their bills, including the Salvation Army’s Project SHARE program. For additional information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/Assistance or call 888-660-5890.
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About Georgia Power Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), a leading energy company in the United States. Value, reliability, customer service and care are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to its 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates lower than the national average, Georgia Power offers a variety of energy sources that include nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewable energy such as solar, hydro and wind. Maintain an innovative power generation mix. Georgia Power focuses on providing world-class service to its customers every day, and J.D. We are consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook at Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower, Twitter at Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower and Instagram at Instagram.com/ga_power.
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