Inspector Energy: The Standby Power Stakeout

Inspector Energy settles in to find out if energy waste from standby power is making a move on this household's budget.

Is standby power from unused electronic devices wasting energy at night or when no one is at home? Inspector Energy settles in to find out. A long watch reveals some eye-opening issues.

1. Home entertainment center left on when no one is around to be entertained.

2. Home office computer running at full power while the home office worker is sleeping.

3. Chargers plugged in when they're not charging anything.

4. Rarely used TV in guest room plugged in and drawing power 24/7.

Investigation Report

Energy waste from standby power may be costing this household up to $100 a year or more. These actions will help save money.

• Plug electronic devices into advanced power strips or smart plugs, which automatically cut power to unused devices.
• Enable power management "sleep" settings on home computers and printers.
• Unplug unused chargers as well as any rarely used devices in your home.
• Purchase ENERGY STAR^®-certified electronic devices, which draw less standby power than standard models.

With these measures, standby power will be moving on from this household's energy bills. Case closed.

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