Tech Made Simple

Hot Topics: How to Fix Bluetooth Pairing Problems | Complete Guide to Facebook Privacy | How to Block Spam Calls | Snapchat Symbol Meaning

We may earn commissions when you buy from links on our site. Why you can trust us.

Kill the Energy Vampires in Your Home

by Grant Clauser on January 04, 2011

When you were a kid, your parents probably followed you around the house shutting off lights, radios and televisions. That’s a good start, but today it doesn't completely solve the problem of wasted electricity. Did you know that your television may be using as much as 4 watts even when it's turned off? A cable DVR will use 27 watts in standby mode.

In fact, your entire home theater system may be sucking as much as 34 watts when asleep. Even that little cell phone charger is still drawing about a .5 watts when it's not connected to your phone. Individually, these amounts are small, but altogether, over time, it amounts to a lot of wasted energy and wasted money.

Who has time to constantly monitor all these energy vampires? Rather than walk around the house unplugging everything that's not in use, there are power strips with surge protection that can make being a power monitor much easier.

Belkin Conserve Energy 8-outlet Surge Protector ($29): This 8-outlet surge protector includes both switched and always-on outlets. Use the wireless remote to turn the power off for all switched components. Belkin offers a range of outlet management products on Belkin.com.

 

Monster GreenPower MDP 900 ($80): This computer power strip will automatically cut power to any peripheral plugged in (printers, scanners) when you turn off your computer.

 

Monster GreenPower EP IR 2450Monster GreenPower HDP 1850G ($499): Kills all power to selected connected home theater components (HDTV, DVD, surround receiver) when you turn them off, eliminating vampire power drain. It also comes with a remote control receiver that will work with any programmable remote, so you can keep your components hidden. Plus it cleans up power, which helps extend the life of your products.


Topics

Music and Video, Tips & How-Tos, Money Savers, Green Tech


Discussion loading

New Articles on Techlicious

Home | About | Meet the Team | Contact Us
Media Kit | Newsletter Sponsorships | Licensing & Permissions
Accessibility Statement
Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy

Techlicious participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which provide a small commission from some, but not all, of the "click-thru to buy" links contained in our articles. These click-thru links are determined after the article has been written, based on price and product availability — the commissions do not impact our choice of recommended product, nor the price you pay. When you use these links, you help support our ongoing editorial mission to provide you with the best product recommendations.

© Techlicious LLC.