Unplugging things- how much does it really save?

[cercis]

Re: Unplugging things- how much does it really save?

I remembered the name of the device - Kill-a-watt. Several of my more environmental friends have them and would be more than willing to lend to me, except I no longer live in their city.

[Ima saver]

Re: Unplugging things- how much does it really save?

Well, i checked around my house and found four things I knew are pulling power, but we do not need them on. One was my typewriter, the other was a small electric heater that I keep by my feet next to the computer. (the red light was on) The light was also on, on a lamp with a sliding control in the dining room. We never eat there and never use that lamp. The biggest thing was a vcr (old) that has been flashing on and off for 10 years in our kitchen cabinet. Never use that vcr!!
I turned off my dog's elec. blanket, but will turn it on again tonight.

[flash]

Re: Unplugging things- how much does it really save?

I think it depends! For instance, if you have cable tv, chances are you use a all-in-one remote and turn off the cable when not watching, but the tv itself is still on. So, when you turn the cable, the tv is already warmed up and you get an immediate picture. But, the tv is on all the time, and it wears on the tv and does draw some power.

Here is another thought about unplugging, though. Our house has been struck by lightening once, and had a major power outage from a storm. In both cases computers were plugged in, but off, and both were fried. In the strike, which hit our chimney, the charge traveled down through the electrical lines, phone lines, cable tv. We had to replace four phones, two cable boxes, the interior cable lines and junctures, one interior phone line/jack, two garage openers, the tv, a toaster, etc.

Yes, we had surge protectors on some things. The computers were lost because the modem lines were plugged in, power coming through the phone line got them even though the surge protector kept it from coming through the power line.

When in doubt, disconnect.

[Fern]

Re: Unplugging things- how much does it really save?

I saved $15 last month, simply by conscientiously turning off lights and TV sets when not in that room. I do live alone, so that may account for some of it.

I keep my house at 60 all day long, and some nights i put it down to 55. i have about 6 layers of blankets and a cat on the bed so it's quite comfortable.

[cercis]

Re: Unplugging things- how much does it really save?

Flash - you make a good point about computers. If they are plugged into ANYTHING (modem or wall) they are vulnerable. My laptop got taken out in a hotel when lightning struck. Thank goodness I was still under warranty - because the hotel was of the opinion that it was my problem, never mind they had no surge protectors.

In another instance I lost a modem (but not the computer) to another lightning strike. The computer was fine because it was plugged into a UPS with a surge protector. But don't count on the surge protection quality of power strips. They'll do some, but not lightning protection.

[Ima saver]

Re: Unplugging things- how much does it really save?

My big downfall is that I leave all three tv's on, all the time. I don't watch them, they just keep me company. I need to turn them off.