Take Charge and Unplug Your Devices
Take a look around your home at the number of electric devices you use each day. Now consider how much these appliances and electronic items cost to run. The thought may make you freeze in place, especially when you consider your electric bill! Now consider how much these items use when they’re plugged in but you’re not using them? What? You didn’t know your appliances and electronics continue to use energy even you’ve turned them off? Here are some reasons why you should unplug your unused electric items!
Plugged In Items Suck Electricity and Cost Money
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, devices plugged into an outlet but are not in use are actually “energy vampires.” In other words, they’re just sucking up energy and costing you money! TVs, home theater systems, or anything that uses a remote and appears to be off is really using standby power. For example, mobile phone chargers use .26 watts of energy without anything connected to it. The same charger will use 2.24 watts if connected to your phone even it’s at 100% power.
Need a simple answer on how to save electricity? Unplug your charger!
Unplug Electronics To Conserve Energy
When you unplug unused electronics and other devices, you not only save money but also help the environment. Conserving energy helps reduce the amount of carbon that’s released at power plants that burn fossil fuels. When you cut your energy usage, you help preserve the environment for everyone.
Unplug Items To Promote Fire Safety
You can also promote fire safety by unplugging items you aren’t currently using. Electrical fires can occur if you overload an extension cord or outlet with too many appliances and devices. But when you unplug these items, they’ll be less likely to be fire hazards. Therefore, you have a win-win situation: a fire safe home and energy conservation/cost reduction.
How Much Money Can You Save?
So, now you know the reasons to unplug electronics when not in use. How much money can you save by doing so? The answer depends on a few different factors including:
- Type of appliance or electronic device
- kWh usage
- Age of the product
- Number of items plugged in
- Cost of your electric plan
According to Energy.gov, this standby power equals 5-10% of residential energy use. To put this in dollar terms, this percentage equates to approximately $100 per year. When you unplug the devices you don’t currently use, you can save the money you’ve been losing all along!
Save More Money with a Low Price Electric Plan
In addition to saving money by unplugging your devices, you can alsosave by finding hot deals on electric plans! Visit https://www.paenergyratings.com to explore the electric plans available in your area. Review the price per kWh rates and see all that the companies have to offer with these plans!