Electronics Never Sleep

Did you know that even if your electronics are in stand-by or sleep mode, they are sucking up electricity? These so-called energy vampires typically use about five percent of total residential electricity use.

Plasma TVs are among the biggest offenders but there are lots of other culprits. For example, on average a DVR consumes more power when it is turned off but still plugged in than when it is actually recording (36.68 watts versus 29.29 watts).

Actions as simple as unplugging, using an on/off power bar for clusters of devices and buying Energy Star products (which have lower standby power usage) can help reduce the electrical blood-letting.

Here are some examples of electricity vampires:

Device and Energy Used (in watts)                                                                                 
Game console (ready mode) - 23.34
Desktop Computer (sleep mode) - 21.13
Digital cable set-top box (off by remote) - 17.83
Computer Notebook (sleep mode) - 15.77
Satellite set-top box (off by remote) - 15.66
Audio mini-system (off but still plugged in) - 8.32
Rear projection TV (off by remote) - 6.97
Cell phone charger (on and charged) - 2.24

 You can find a more complete and detailed list here.