Do you conserve more energy (and money) by unplugging your computers/TVs/lamps when you're not using them?

Question

I remember reading in some scientific magazine at a medical library that it is better to unplug these appliances when you're not using them. It's more energy efficient and saves you big bucks on your electrical bill. Is this true? Is that safe, all that constant plugging and unplugging? I don't want anything to short circuit and electrocute me.

I'm really interested about this. Thank you!

Answer 1

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Answer 2

Yes, it will save more power. Modern computers have circuits that are on all the time.

You should never have to worry about any hazard from disconnecting them, if that is an issue, you have really poor quality appliances or electrical outlets. If you cannot turn off the entire system, at least disconnect the display.

CRT Displays can use 300 watts easy, and so do TVs.  LCDs use much less, more like 20-30 watts, and that is a big difference.

Answer 3

Walk around at night.  All of those little lights that you see staring back at you are draining light for no reason.

This includes, all clocks (microwaves, ovens, coffee machine...) TV, computer, wireless phone chargers, cell phone chargers, power strips that are left on,

more things then I can think of at the moment...

Answer 4

yes, computers, TVs, etc. anything that has a remote uses energy even while its not "on". i has to be able to pick up the signal from the remote. i think everyone should unplug the items they don' use on a regular basis. the only thing in my room i have plugged in is my cell phone charger, which apparently i shouldn't. i am currently forces my family to GO GREEN.

-increase the peace-

Answer 5

instead of unplugging them put them on timers.

this saves trying to climb over every thing to plug them in every time you want to use them.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

This is true for computers and TVs, but not for lamps.

Basically, anything that has a clock on it (like a microwave) or anything that uses a remote control or anything that has a transformer attached to it (like a cell phone charger) will use electricity, even when it's not "on."   So you can save a bit of money by unplugging these devices when you are not using them.   You won't save much - dollars per year, maybe tens of dollars per year if you unplug them all, but not hundreds of dollars per year.     But you will be doing the right thing by saving energy.

If you want specifics, do a web search on "phantom energy users."  

Good question.

Answer 8

I have a device that measures the power used by other stuff connected to it.

A turned off computer uses about 5W, turned on computer (without counting the monitor) uses from 100W to 250W, depending on the load. Gaming computers use more because of multiple power hungry videocards.

So if you have a regular home office computer and you use it for 4 hours a day then it uses 500W*h, and only 20% of it used in stand by mode.

Answer 9

can you? yes. do I? no. =(   I must admit, I leave my laptop on all the time & usually the tv, coffee pot, microwave, cell phone charger...the list goes on. I do however run around the house turning all the lights off after everyone.

If you can make a commitment to do it, go for it. it doesn't save you hundreds of dollars. prob about $30-$50 per item per year. but every bit helps.

Good Luck!

Answer 10

Maybe it would be a little bit for you, but if a million people did it think of the combined savings.

You don't have to physically unplug each item.  Put them on a power strip, then you can just flip the switch on the power strip to stop the power flow.

One of the biggest draws is the hot water heater--it it has an electric element.  If nobody is home for a large part of the day, putting a switch or timer on it would be a large savings.

Answer 11

yup ive read that you can save about 100 dollars per year by unplugging your hd plasma screen overnight and while you're away or at work.