Always On Energy Saving Tips
You may think you turned it off, but some appliances and electronic devices are always on, using energy even when they appear to be off.
What is Always On?
Always On is a measure of the base or basic usage of electricity in your home. Always On is comprised of appliances and electronic devices that are always plugged in and are consuming energy even when not being used. Electronics may continue to use power even when they are in the off, standby or sleep modes.
Your devices are likely always on if they:
- Have a remote, like a TV that is waiting to receive the on signal and respond to it.
- Have an external power supply, the big black block that converts AC to DC.
- Have a digital display, a clock, or an LED status light.
- Contain a battery charger, such as a cordless power tool.
Find out how much you could save by pulling the plug
To find out what devices in your home may be always on and how much you could save by pulling the plug, check out the Always On Calculator.
What can you do?
Unplug devices like these that are either no longer used or are used very rarely:
- TV and DVR in guest bedroom(s)
- Second fridge (when not in use)
- Toaster or coffee maker used only on weekends
- Battery chargers for lawn tools (in the winter)
- Power adapter (after disconnecting laptop or mobile device)
Plug these devices into a digital timer that will only power them on during desired times of use:
- Hot water recirculation pump
- Coffeemaker
- Heated towel rack or bathroom floor heater
- Holiday displays and lights
Refer to your owner’s manual(s) to adjust the power settings on these devices:
- Turn off TV quick start
- Set your computer to go to sleep after 30 minutes of inactivity and turn off your computer if you will be away for 2 hours or more
- Make sure your computer doesn’t turn on a printer or other external devices, as part of its routine start-up cycle
- Disable the “instant on” mode on your game console, if you do not need it
Plug these devices into a smart power strip:
- TV, speaker bar and other TV accessories that can all be switched on and off manually
- Computer, monitor, printer, computer speakers and accessories
- Both traditional and smart power strips allow many devices to be plugged into one electrical outlet, but as long as your power strip is on, the devices plugged in to a traditional power strip will continue to use energy
- Smart power strips can detect when a device is in standby mode and cut power off, helping to reduce your energy usage
Look for the ENERGY STAR label when purchasing new electronics. These products use less energy, without sacrificing quality or performance:
- Laptops are far more efficient than desktop computers, especially Energy Star qualified models
- Save energy and space with an Energy Star qualified multi-function device that combines several capabilities (print, fax, copy, scan)
Environmental Impacts
Around 20% of a home’s electricity use is due to always on consumption. For an average home using 900 kWh, that is 180 kWh per month.
Reduce your carbon footprint and environmental impact by pulling the plug on your always on devices.
2,160 kWh
Average home's annual always on usage
=
0.33 vehicles
Removed from the road