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Appliances that remain on standby waste electricity. Aaron Graubart/Stockbyte/Getty Images Many modern electronics have appealed to consumers' desire for convenience by offering a standby feature that makes turning them on faster and easier. Unfortunately, this also means that they draw electricity even when they are turned off. The combined effect of millions of these electronics and appliances on standby adds up to an enormous amount of electricity being wasted. This can be prevented either by unplugging these items when they aren't being used, or by plugging them into a power bar with an on/off switch.
Computers
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Computers are the biggest culprits when it comes to using standby power. Monitors, laptops, printers and accessories should all be plugged into a power bar so they can be shut off when not in use. A power bar with surge protection will also help to protect the electronics from irregularities in grid power. According to the website Energy Saving Secrets, you can tell which electronics are using the most power while turned off by the big box that is integrated into their power cords. This is a converter that turns AC power into DC power, and as long as it's plugged in, it's using power, even when the machine that it's attached to is turned off.
Televisions
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Most new televisions have a standby feature. You can easily tell when one of them is on standby, because there will be a small red light illuminated on the front. The only purpose this standby feature serves is that it makes the television come on slightly faster. Turn the television off at the power bar, then plan ahead and turn it on 30 seconds before you need it, and you will be saving power with no sacrifice of your planned activities.
Other Power Suckers
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According to Power Saving Secrets, laser printers and cell phone chargers actually use more power in standby mode than they do when being used. Other appliances that may be using more power than necessary include those that manufacturers have begun equipping with computers for various purposes, such as refrigerators or washing machines. When buying new appliances or electronics, look for an Energy Star sticker if you are concerned about energy use. Appliances with this sticker have been certified as being some of the most energy-efficient available.
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