The Solution
How To Reduce your Plug Load:
Plug all devices (except refrigerators, freezers, and television recording devices) into power strips so they can be shut down easily at the plug level when they’re not in use.
Improve you computer housekeeping:
Program your computer to automatically go to SLEEP mode after 15 minutes of inactivity. Going from active monitor mode to sleep reduces electricity use from up to 90 watts to less than four watts. Download free monitor and computer power management tools from Energy Star. Even when in sleep mode, or OFF, a computer still draws up to 200 watts; turning it off at the power strip during the night and weekends will noticeably reduce energy use. You can download free software that’ll power your computer down when it’s not in use.
Periodically take a walking tour of your home, unplugging appliances that are seldom used. Try to create an environment in which leaving unused electricity using equipment on is akin to throwing litter on your kitchen floor.
Make sure to that everyone in your family knows to turn off all lights, appliances, and electronic equipment using a power strip. For desktops that are on 24/7 at $.17/kWh, shutting off just one computer using a power strip saves roughly $125 annually.
Consider using laptops. Laptops can use half as much energy as desktops.
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