Unplugging Stuff

**mikandmari** · 11-12-2007, 11:14 PM

I'm trying to think of more things I can do to lower the electric bill. I'm wondering if unplugging things that are not in use really makes a difference?

What type of things do you unplug?

My problem is, I have an old house and have to climb around like a contortionist to reach some of the poorly-placed outlets. I figure that if I need to turn on an additional light just to see to find the plug & the outlet, it may not be worth it (?).

But, I think I'll give it a try.... I'm going to make a game of it and count how many things in this house I can unplug to save energy. I'm easily amused

**kabin63** · 11-12-2007, 11:18 PM

Can you put them on a strip? Those are usually easier to turn on and off.
I have found that even little things can make a difference in the bill. I only leave things plugged in that are needed, like the microwave or stove.

**Dancing Lotus** · 11-13-2007, 08:20 AM

I would try plugging things into a strip and then just unplugging the strip. Unless you buy a special type of strip thats designed to stop power leakage it wont do any good becuase leaving things plugged into the strip and leaveing the strip plugged in is no different then leaving it plugged into the wall.

**LexTysMommy** · 11-13-2007, 08:27 AM

I unplug everything. Alarm clocks, cell chargers, computer when not using, microwave, stereo, toasters, fans, nightlights, toaster oven, coffee maker, anything at all that I am not using at that moment gets unplugged. I agree with the power strip as I too live in older house and wouldnt be able to reach some of the plugs. I believe it does save energy every month. Even if its $10-$20 a month, thats $120-$240 a year of wasteful energy in my book!

Good luck!

**nessarowdy** · 11-13-2007, 11:00 AM

Hi-
New here, and am learning great tips! Thanks to all for that! Do you all unplug your washer and dryer as well after you are done using them??? Does it make a difference??

Thanks,
Vanessa

**frugalfriend** · 11-13-2007, 12:02 PM

My DH doesn't believe it makes any difference at all to unplug stuff. Does anyone know of something I can print out to show him? Sometimes it takes seeing it in writing to believe . . . LOL!

**sdrjeolsen** · 11-13-2007, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by frugalfriend

My DH doesn't believe it makes any difference at all to unplug stuff. Does anyone know of something I can print out to show him? Sometimes it takes seeing it in writing to believe . . . LOL!

Not sure this is exactly what you're looking for, but there is a meter for sale on Amazon.com to measure phantom power and regular power usage with customer reviews regarding phantom power usages. Kinda shows that it really exists, however there is no chart or anything like that.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/P3-International-Kill-Electricity-Monitor/dp/B00009MDBU"]Amazon.com: P3 International P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor: Electronics[/ame]

**LexTysMommy** · 11-13-2007, 01:11 PM

http://energyboomer.typepad.com/ener...r_house_l.html

http://www.nbc10.com/news/14545640/detail.html

http://energyboomer.typepad.com/ener...ch_can_i_.html

just a few i found

**EnergyBoomer** · 11-13-2007, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by nessarowdy

Hi-
New here, and am learning great tips! Thanks to all for that! Do you all unplug your washer and dryer as well after you are done using them??? Does it make a difference??

Thanks,
Vanessa

I would NOT recommend unplugging your washer or dryer for SAFETY reasons. The ones I am familiar with do not use power when they are sleeping and if newer ones do it is very small.
Just shoving the machine around is a back injury risk and the higher power / voltage of these big power hogs makes it a bad idea. Declare independence and do only what you can safely do with out help.

Energy Boomer