Well as far as I can tell it's both true and false. From what I've read it's not that it's using more watts per minute of usage, but that they're turned off for more time than they're on; and the accumulative usage during the time off is more that the usage during the short time on. It seems like a 'duh' sort of idea but then again I've never really thought about it. It's not anything that's going to cost you an arm or a leg, but what can you do to combat it? Pretty simple changes actually:
- Unplug all your chargers when you're not using them. This also goes for transformer type plugs(big chunky AC/DC ones), especially if they're warm to the touch when they're not even in use.
- Put your TV/DVD/VCR/Computer/ect on power strips with an ON/OFF switch and turn them off when you aren't using them. For the extra lazy folks, you know who you are, you can even get this version that includes a remote.
- And maybe you should pause and think about installing plasma screen TV's in the bathrooms, closets, refrigerators, and catbox. First plasma TV's use a lot more power than your plain ol' boob tube and second, I think you'll live if you miss 48 seconds of Martha's new 6-layer cake recipe*.
With that said, am I going to do all of that? Probably not. I'll try to remember to unplug the charger, but it's not an easy outlet to reach... maybe I should move it elsewhere. And I share a house with other people who do not like the power strip idea one bit. Apparently it is a HUGE inconvenience to have to flip a little red switch to turn on the TV. Maybe I'll sneak one in there and see what happens. I do know what I will do. I will refrain from installing TV's in the catbox. The cat will live.
*Disclaimer: I am in no way responsible if you somehow die from lack of Martha Stewart.
