Does completely unplugging your computer from the outlet save a lot more energy?

Question

I always turn my computer off at night, but will unplugging it save that much more energy?

Answer 1

if it doesn't have a battery that it's charging, and there is a regular plug, rather than a big square one with a transformer in it, unplugging it won't save any energy at all.

when left plugged in, there are generally 3 kinds of things that continue to draw energy.

1. any cords, like those used for charging cell phones, ipods, electric tooth brushes, etc., that have a small box or something attached to the plug.  that "thing" is a transformer, that always draws some current.

2. anything, like a TV, that has a remote with which you can turn it on.  it has to keep drawing power to sense when you use that remote.

3. anything that has a heating element that has a "stay warm" feature.  some, mostly business, copy machines do this.

Answer 2

I've always heard that 5% of a monthly energy bill is due to simply having appliances plugged in continuously, whether they're in use or not. It would probably save a little energy I imagine.

Answer 3

Not much.  But if you unpluged everything when not in use it could make a diference.  Most things don't have a on/off switch.  They have a on and waiting to turn on switch.

Answer 4

It probably will save some energy, I would do it just to be sure, and I do.