Energy Saving Tips for Electronics and Small Appliances

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Today our homes are filled with electronic gadgets of all kinds. Children enjoy playing their game systems while their parents talk on their cell phones and tap characters into their PDA’s. Because these products have become such a natural part of our lifestyle, we often forget how much energy it takes to operate them. These expenditures account for roughly 20% of the electricity consumed per year in the average American household. We offer tips for cutting the cost of your energy bill while still enjoying your electronic “toys” and small electronic appliances

Electronics

Purchase energy efficient products, these are now available for printers, personal computers, and more
Turn off equipment when it’s not in use
Consider a laptop computer over a traditional desktop; Laptops use less energy
Unplug equipment like stereos, DVD players, televisions, and gaming systems when they are not in use because even in “standby” mode they are leaking electricity
Use a power strip for home office appliances thus saving time of unplugging all appliances, just cut them from using energy by flicking one switch
Use an inkjet printer, laser printers use 90% more energy
Check to make sure you turn off your computer monitor when you shut down; Monitors consume twice as much energy as the central processing unit

Small Appliances

Use hairdryers sparingly and choose to operate on the “low” setting
Coffee pots, toasters, bread makers, and other small appliances draw juice even if they are in the “off” position but are still plugged in. Imagine how much you could save if you unplug your many appliances when they aren’t in use!
Electric kettles and frying pans require less energy than using the stovetop to boil water and fry food