Electricity Costs: How to Save 5 Percent by Not Using Standby Modes

Its one thing we rarely think about until we get the bill. There are some appliances in your house that suck you dry without you even being aware of it. In this article I give you some tips to save some money by unplugging or turning off standby appliances.

Is leaving all these low power mode appliances on really necessary? You rarely think about electricity until you don't have it or you see the bill is way too high. With just a few changes you could save around 5 percent every month by shutting off those appliances when we are not using them. Here are some tips to get you started.

Computers

This is one of the biggest power drainers. Even when your computer is in standby mode the fan still runs which on average burns about 70 watts. When your not using your computer just power it off. This way you begin to see some savings each month on your electric bill. For the sake of convenience we leave a lot of these power savers running when it just isn't necessary. It only takes a few seconds to power on your computer when your ready to use it. Especially turn it off at night when people are sleeping or your just wasting power.

Cell phone chargers and other chargers

When plugged in they still draw current even though when your not charging your phone. Unplug them when your not using it. It isn't necessary to leave it plugged in when your not using it. Same holds true with other chargers of other appliances. Just unplug them when they are not in use. Your just wasting current leaving them plugged in.

DVD players

These have low power or standby modes when your not watching a DVD or using them. Just unplug them. Most of these types of appliances are waiting for you to use the remote or stick in a DVD. Otherwise they are just in a low power mode. These low power modes are not necessary and can cost you. This would hold true if your not using your VCR to record timed shows.

Microwaves

There are so many appliances we use in our households that have clocks. So we leave them plugged in. Are all these clocks necessary? Your microwave is a perfect example. It can't be the only clock in your house so unplug it when your not using it. You don't need that many clocks in your house anyway.

Stereo systems

Leaving these on when not playing music or listening to the radio is just a waste of money. No matter whether they have low power modes or not just turn them off when not using them.

By using these tips and others you can save on your electric bill over the coming months.