Casa Quickie: Pull the Plug!

February 25, 2008

Did you know that many electrical appliances, including cell phone chargers, DVRs, and DVD players use as much electricity when they’re off as when they're on? If you're not using the appliance pull the plug! It'll help you to save money on your energy bill every month, and it will also help out the environment at the same time. As an added bonus, the occasional bending and unplugging will give you a nice mid-day stretch.

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18 Comments

MandyJoBo 5 years 11 weeks

I think turning the power strip off is the point, isn't it? It's energy-saving because all you have to do IS push a button rather than unplug it or several plugs.

rivrchild 5 years 11 weeks

Even if it says it's an energy-saving power strip, I would still turn it off. It sounds a lot like the Sleep mode on Mac computers, which is still wasting energy if it's not in use. It doesn't take much to push one button, and it's the only way to be sure (besides unplugging them all) that you're not wasting ANY energy whatsoever.

MandyJoBo 5 years 11 weeks

We use special energy-saving power strips. They're cheap and they make it so you don't have to unplug anything.

ElissaM 5 years 11 weeks

I work for a power company and I'm totally slack about doing this. I'm going to start paying a lot more attention.

enSue 5 years 11 weeks

You're very welcome, karazzies. (Sorry for misspelling your name in my previous comment.)

Dbtabm 5 years 11 weeks

Great idea, one thing though... DVR's don't work if they're not plugged in:)

karazzies 5 years 11 weeks

Thanks enSue - it's much easier to do it that way instead of trying to feel around behind my TV stand looking for the plugs.

enSue 5 years 11 weeks

Yes, karrazies, turning off the power strip (via its on/off switch) that the chargers are plugged into will produce the same energy saving effects. That is, as long as you are using all of the chargers at the same time when the power strip is turned back on. This is a great alternative and time-saver than wandering around the entire house to unplug each charger individually, and also helps keeping track of which ones are unplugged and plugged in easier. If you are concerned about clutter, Lifehacker.com and Instructables.com offer DIY solutions for creating clutter reducing charging stations utilizing power strips.

enSue 5 years 11 weeks

Yes, karrazies, turning off the power strip (via its on/off switch) that the chargers are plugged into will produce the same energy saving effects. That is, as long as you are using all of the chargers at the same time when the power strip is turned back on. This is a great alternative and time-saver than wandering around the entire house to unplug each charger individually, and also helps keeping track of which ones are unplugged and plugged in easier.If you are concerned about clutter, Lifehacker.com and Instructables.com offer DIY solutions for creating clutter reducing charging stations utilizing power strips.

Meka_suga 5 years 11 weeks

Might actually start doing this. Thanks!

aimeeb 5 years 12 weeks

I always do this. Kind of obsessed...

cottonpoots 5 years 12 weeks

Hm, this is a new one for me. :( I'm too lazy to unplug them, though.

emalove 5 years 12 weeks

I did know this and I always make a conscious effort to unplug my appliances after I use them.

caitlinp86 5 years 12 weeks

I love this idea!

caitlinp86 5 years 12 weeks

I love this idea!

jasmint 5 years 12 weeks

I try to unplug anything without a clock in it while not in use, but I'm certain my roommate undoes all the good I'm doing, as she leaves lights on in rooms she's not in and even when no one is home!!