Frugal School Week of 8/7

**Kimberlina** · 08-08-2006, 10:04 AM

Seems like nobody posted a simple assignment yesterday for everyone to try to help save money.

So...how about this week we all take a walk around our homes and see if there are any appliances/electronic devices that should be turned off or unplugged.

I know there are at least two digital clocks upstairs that aren't currently being used- one in the guest room and one in DD's room. They can both be unplugged and only plugged back in once they will actually be used (ie when guests are here or once dd learns to tell time.)

I should also get a power strip and use it for a couple things that are "ghosts," using energy even when they are off, like the televisions/vcrs/etc.

Get to it and report back once you're done!

**Kimberlina** · 08-08-2006, 10:10 AM

Okay- I unplugged the two clocks and also turned off my printer. Turned off (just temporarily, like turning off lights) two fans that don't need to be on right this second. Turned off the speaker to my computer. Made sure that my cell phone charger isn't plugged in. Will have to wait to do the power strips until DH and I are both home at the same time (Thursday evening.)

FYI, two easy clues to tell if your whatsit might be ghosting using when turned off) energy:
1- It has a boxy plug that is warm to the touch
2- It has a remote controlo that turns it on and off

**bumplett** · 08-08-2006, 01:09 PM

okay ~ marching into both ds's bedrooms right now to unplug radios.....

**Amanda W** · 08-08-2006, 02:35 PM

I'm bad - I just did a quick walk-through and found our blow dryer, a fan, my cell phone charger, the microwave, and the living room stereo (that we never use) all plugged in. They're all off now though!!

**baxjul** · 08-08-2006, 06:42 PM

Okay, I unplugged FIL's stereo, phone charger, and my candle warmer.

**ironmaiden** · 08-08-2006, 07:50 PM

We turn the computer on by power strip. But I realized that the photo printer comes on every time I use the computer as it is on the strip. but realistically, how often do I use the photo printer? So I unplugged it.

I need to experiment that when I turn the powerstrip that the tv has - tv, vcr/dvd player, dvr cable box that the showed recorded on the drv don't erase.

**PrairieRose** · 08-08-2006, 09:16 PM

I had been turning off the powerstrip in the office to the tv/vcr/dvd player but the past few days have gotten lax. I'll go do that.

**Goodwin17** · 08-08-2006, 10:42 PM

Ok, I know I have a ton of things plugged in that don't need to be. Before I head off to bed tonight I'm going to make a quick run through and unplug a bunch of stuff. Thanks for the reminder!! I haven't done that in a long time, and I had actually not thought about it until I read this.