It goes by a number of names, but essentially what we’re talking about here is power consumed by devices while they’re switched off. How can devices use power when they’re switched off? Well, most modern devices, especially those with remote controls, don’t really switch off - they just go to sleep or stop displaying anything. But they’re still on really - waiting for you to press that “power” button on the remote.

In some countries the outlets have individual switches, making it simple to really switch off equipment. For countries where this is not the case, think about using a simple power strip with a switch on it as a way to avoid having to keep unplugging things.

Home Entertainment Systems

High on that list of remote controlled electronics are all those home entertainment components. Some of them might need to be left on (for example, a VCR or DVR that is set to record programming while you’re out), others can be switched off at the wall.

Regular (non-DVR) cable and satellite receivers should probably also be left on, otherwise you will need to wait for them to authorize and download the programming guide each time you want to watch something.

If you are using a power strip for a home entertainment system, consider getting one designed for A/V equipment.

Computer Equipment

Much like home entertainment systems, computers can be switched off at the wall when not in use (after being shut down properly of course). Using a sleep or hibernate mode will use less power than when the machine is on, but it will still be using electricity.

The same goes for printers, scanners and all the other peripherals that we connect to our computers. Switch them off at the wall (or unplug them) when they’re not in use.

The only real exception to this for the home office are the DSL or cable modem box and, if you have one, a wireless router or access point. The former is best left on because it maintains a connection to your ISP (in some cases it might even be monitored by them). The wireless wants to be on because you don’t want to have to switch that on each time you want to surf from your laptop. If you’re going on vacation though, unplug them both too. Also, if you’re signing up for new service, see if you can get a single box that provides both functions as that will reduce the overall power consumption.

A handy alternative to the power strip that copes well with the proliferation of wall transformers is the PowerSquid type connector with individual cables for each device. If you already have a power strip, but can’t use all of its sockets because of overlapping transformers, then you can get short extensions to convert any power strip into something like a PowerSquid.

If you are willing to spend a little time setting it up, consider getting a smart powerstrip instead. These have a master socket, which remains on all the time, and a set of slave sockets that will be turned off when the device on the master reduces its power consumption. They normally have one or two always on sockets too for those devices that must remain on (see above). When you first set this up you will need to adjust the power level at which the slave sockets are turned off, but once done you should be able to sleep your computer and have the monitor, printer etc turned off automatically.

Satisfy Your Inner Geek

All that is great in theory, but how do you know how much you are saving? Well, you can always get an electricity usage monitor and measure the power being consumed by your devices when on and off.

Tags: electricity, home, phantom power, power strip

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