Save Money, Save Energy, Save the Environment

Being Energy Efficient has Multiple Advantages

Oct 27, 2009

Leaving Devices Plugged in is Money Down the Drain, runron

A home that is energy efficient saves money for the household and helps to save the environment. There are simple ways to save electricity on a daily basis.

A modern home will virtually come to a standstill if there was no electricity. Most household items run on electricity. Some appliances may have battery back-up but this is only used when mains power is not available. Making a conscious effort to save electricity also saves money and the environment.

Switch Off and Save

Households can reduce their electricity bills by up to ten percent by switching off power that is not being used.

Many appliances and electronic devices use power even when they are not being used. This is commonly known as standby power and can be virtually eliminated by unplugging devices and appliances when not in use.

While electronic equipment such as computers, televisions, stereos and other associated items account for more than 50 percent of the standby power used in most homes, a myriad of other small devices also contribute.

Devices Likely to Draw Standby Power

Most appliances that use mains electricity will draw standby power if not unplugged. Some of the most common devices are:

Any device that has a remote control - television, stereo, cable TV box, digital set-top box.
Any appliance with a digital interface or clock - microwave, DVD player, VCR.
Any equipment that uses direct current power - laptop computer, electric toothbrush, printer, fax machine.

Whilst it is not practical or convenient to unplug most of the major appliances in a home, there are some small appliances that continue to draw power if left plugged in, even when they are not in use, which can be unplugged. They are:

battery chargers for mobile phones,
MP3 players,
power drills,
cameras, etc.

Chargers will continue to draw power even after the device connected to it has been fully charged.

Using Solar Power to Save Money

Householders can save money and the environment by installing solar hot water systems and/or solar panels. Solar panels enable the household to harness the power of the sun creating sustainable energy which can be utilized to power the home. Solar systems generate clean electricity which creates little or no greenhouse gas emissions.

Since Australia is committed to having 20 percent of the country's electricity come from renewable energy sources by 2020, there are generous financial incentives being offered to home owners to help with the initial cost of installing solar energy systems.

Home owners can start saving money and help the environment immediately by making a thorough assessment of how many appliances there are that are left plugged in and making a conscious decision to switch off or unplug those smaller devices that are not in constant use.

Reference:

Synergy (Australia)

The copyright of the article Save Money, Save Energy, Save the Environment in Saving Energy is owned by Pauline Mascarenhas. Permission to republish Save Money, Save Energy, Save the Environment in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.