Message from the Consumers' Counsel:

Save energy by unplugging unused appliances

Most consumers have a variety of appliances in their homes that use electricity, ranging from televisions, computers, stereos, microwaves and chargers for cell phones. What may come as a surprise to consumers is that these and other appliances use electricity even when they think they are turned off.

Some energy experts report that between 5 percent and 10 percent of a household’s electricity is used by these types of appliances when in standby mode. Standby mode occurs when some products are not in use but are still plugged into an electrical outlet while waiting to be turned on by remote control or to recharge a battery.

For many Ohioans this means that they can save between $46 and $93 per year if action is taken to reduce electric consumption by unplugging certain appliances when not in use.

Computers, monitors, satellite/cable boxes and compact stereos often consume a significant amount of electricity when they are not being used. For example, a computer and monitor that are both in “sleep mode” can use about 28 watts of power.

Here are some tips to help control the amount of power being wasted through some commonly-used appliances:

• Monitor the charging of products like cell phones and digital camera batteries to ensure that their AC adaptors are only plugged in when they are recharging. Many products have a light or power bar that indicates when the batteries are fully charged (for example, a red light may change to green).

• Shut down a computer instead of only “logging off.” Turn off the monitor instead of letting it sit in “sleep mode.”

• Consider unplugging electronic products that have a standby mode when away from home for several days or more.

• Consumers using power strips may find it convenient to simply switch off the strip to help eliminate power coming from multiple appliances. Be sure to first properly shut down any computers plugged into the power strip.

For more information on standby power, consumers should read “Learn about vampire power” and other information on cutting electricity usage in this website’s Smart Energy section.

Best regards,

Janine L. Migden-Ostrander