What do you unplug when you leave home? |
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In preparing to leave home for an extended period something of a ritual has begun with unplugging all the electronic devices. I decided to count up the devices plugged in just to see how much drain on power was occuring (I already know our electric bill averages over $200/month). In two rooms alone there were 40 devices plugged in including: multiple computers, monitors, TVs (3), laptop, Tablet PC, digital cameras, speakers, chargers, base stations, router, modem and more.
Geeks clearly worship AC outlets.
This got me wondering if others do the unplug ritual when they leave home for extended periods? It’s well known that some devices continue to draw power even when they aren’t being used. I look forward to reading your answers via the comments below or trackback when I plug back in.
How much power is being absorbed with devices plugged in that aren’t being used? Do you unplug when you go away for extended periods? If so, how many devices? Anything you leave plugged in that doesn’t need to be left plugged in?
I think it’s a good idea. You are right about things being plugged in continuing to draw power. So unplugging everything you can not only saves money, it is good for the environment. I have not been doing this since I didn’t know that things being plugged in still used power, but I plan to start.
Comment by Lori — August 11, 2006 @ 9:02 pm PST
yeap..we’ll we normally just switch the plug off. however im not too sure that it would still suck power if we just turn it off…but it is a little ritual running all over the house switching off eery single plug
thnk next time ill time just how long it takes 
hehe
Comment by lazy_alien — August 11, 2006 @ 11:29 pm PST
I am more concerned about a fire starting from plugged-in appliances,since electricity is going through the wires.
I unplug the coffee pot because a relative had such a fire.
Comment by Sandra Shumar — August 12, 2006 @ 1:37 am PST
I always unplug my computer from the phone and wall, because lightning took out the modem first time I didnt. And I always unplug the mircrowave. That is all. I never thought of appliances using electric when turned off. Thank you. bonnie
Comment by Bonnie Kriebel — August 12, 2006 @ 9:28 am PST
The only things I leave on are the burglar alarm, the fridge, (depending on season) the heating, the adsl modem/router and a NAS with a (secured) ftp server to upload backups of photos too and which contains scans of all important docs like passport, travel docs, insurance etc.
Comment by David — August 12, 2006 @ 12:01 pm PST
“I already know our electric bill averages over $200/month”
Move over to Canada and cut your bill in half
I don’t really unplug anything personally. the only things that keeps you power spinning are devices that have to “remember” about something.. Like an alarm clock, or an Xbox 360.
You might want to have a look at this article (Game Console Energy Consumption) to get an idea about how much energy a gaming console can eat away while it’s turned off.
Comment by Kiltak — August 16, 2006 @ 8:35 pm PST
Thanks for sharing that link, Kiltak. I knew the Xbox 360 was a hog and having two of them definitely isn’t helping the power bill.
Comment by TDavid — August 16, 2006 @ 8:59 pm PST
According to the article, the xbox 360 consumes around $2.63 per year when it’s turned off.. Maybe not a big deal for 1 person, but imagine how much power these consoles waste when you apply these numbers to 1, 2 or 3 million units.
This says a lot about the North American lifestyle.
Comment by Kiltak — August 16, 2006 @ 9:12 pm PST
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