How Can I Reduce My Computer and Technology Power Consumption?

Ever wondered why your utility bill is so high? Even if you make a habit of turning off lights when you leave a room, you will probably be shocked at the number of things that are draining energy in your home or office. Did you know that up to 50% of your tech devices are using power even when they are turned off? Your gadgets you love are actually "energy vampires" that use electricity even when you think they are powered off. With the summer months approaching, I'm sure you want to lower your energy bill. Here are some quick and easy tips to help you identify which of your devices are draining power and how you can lower your energy bill.

1. Kitchen Appliances: In case you didn't know, appliances like your coffee maker, microwave, and toaster do not need to be plugged in at all times. Once you are finished using these appliances, unplug them to stop drawing power.

2. Laptop, Tablet, and Phone Charger: Modern smart devices charge faster than older ones, so there's no need to leave these devices plugged in overnight to charge. Make a habit to charge these devices a couple of hours before bedtime and then unplug them.

3. Game Consoles: When you or your kids aren't saving the planet or completing the next video quest, unplug it. There's no benefit to leaving this device on.

4. Smart Television: Your SmartTV uses quite a bit of energy when turned off. Some models use voice commands to be turned on, which means even if it's off, it's using power. Get into the habit of unplugging your TV when you're not watching your favorite show.

5. Cable Boxes: Yes, your cable box is using power too. Consider unplugging it

This can be coupled with unplugging your television when not in use to add even more to your energy savings.

6. Desktop Computer: Shutting down and unplugging your desktop computer when it's not in use is a great way to save energy. Some of you probably put your computers in sleep mode as a way to save energy, but it's still drawing power.

7. Printer: Like your desktop computer, your printer has an option for sleep mode, but it's still drawing power. Turn it off when it's not in use, especially if you own a laser printer. Laser printers use huge amounts of energy.

You're probably thinking that you won't save energy by unplugging several devices, but when you start to add up the amount of power that is being pulled by these devices, it can add up quickly. If don't want to deal with the hassle of unplugging devices, there a couple of things you can do.

Power Saver Mode: Many of the tech devices you use have a power save mode, that will reduce power consumption after a few minutes of being idle. This option won't save as much as unplugging your devices, but it's better than leaving your devices a full power.

Outlet Timers: Just like you use on some of your outdoor lights, you can get an Indoors outlet timer to power your devices during waking hours. Again, these devices use some power, but better than having your devices running at full power.

SmartPlugs and PowerStrips. The great thing about SmartPlugs and SmartPower strips is that you can connect them to your Amazon or Google Smart hubs to set times to power your devices on or off. These devices will use some power to stay connected to your home or office smarthub, but the small amount of power they use is worth it to keep your devices from being powered on all of the time.

There are some of the devices in your home or office that can't be unplugged, but there are a lot of other items you use in your daily life that could easily lower your power costs if you simply “pulled their plugs” and disconnected them when not in use.

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