| Most electronic appliances use power while the off | | | | workstation plugs into it. When I am done with the |
| button is pushed. These small power leaks are costly | | | | computer, I flip one switch on the power box. When I |
| because there are so many of them taking power all | | | | flip that switch I cut my computer, monitor, printer, |
| the time. They use power 24 hours a day, every day | | | | scanner, and cable modem off from the electric meter. |
| of the year. | | | | Another example is some folks plug their TV |
| What to look for. | | | | equipment into an outlet that they control with a wall |
| Look for anything that has an adapter or a digital | | | | switch. Folks usually use wall switch controlled outlets |
| display or a remote control. | | | | for lamps. It is OK to take control of your |
| Perhaps the most common item is the cell phone | | | | entertainment center this way. |
| charger. A "wall cube" plugs into an outlet. A small | | | | Warning: Leave your VCR plugged into a live outlet so |
| power cord plugs into your cell phone. Most of us | | | | you do not need to reset the clock when you want to |
| leave these wall warts plugged in all day. You will see | | | | record a TV show. |
| this talked about all over the internet. I have tried to | | | | Some items, like your security system must stay on all |
| measure the power used by a cell phone charge | | | | the time. You do not want to "unplug" items that need |
| when it was not charging. It is so small that it costs | | | | to be programmed when the power is restored. |
| less than 17 cents a year. Go after bigger game. | | | | At work, the problem of phantom power loads is even |
| Here is a list of items that use significant power all the | | | | bigger. |
| time: Microwave ovens, coffee makers, stereos, video | | | | The idle power load in most offices is as much as |
| game consoles, satellite TV receiver, cable TV | | | | 40% of the power used when producing at full |
| converter, cable telephone modem, internet cable | | | | capacity. |
| modem, computers, printers, monitors, electric can | | | | After you go home for the day power is still used by |
| opener, electric toothbrush, rechargeable screwdriver, | | | | Copy machines, dust collectors, fax machines, hydraulic |
| bread maker. | | | | power units, electronic scoreboards, welding machines, |
| Some big screen TV sets use more stand-by power, | | | | drinking fountains and many many more. |
| than your refrigerator. | | | | When you finish the job, at work or at home, do not |
| What you can do. | | | | leave the electric meter running. |
| An example of a way to save is the power box on | | | | Click here for more money saving information. |
| my computer table. Everything at my home computer | | | | |