My electric service company, APS, sends me these little paper newletters with lots of tips for reducing and tracking energy use. Here's a useful chart of how much money it costs to operate your entertainment and communications devices:
- 36 inch TV - <1 cent per hour
- DVD player - <1 cent per hour
- Laptop computer - <1 cent per hour
- 45-60 inch projection screen TV - 2 cents per hour
- Hand-held computer - <1 cent per hour
- Cell Phone Charger - 10 cents per year
Of course, these are costs for AC in Arizona, so your state (or country) may vary. But it's an interesting place to start.
TIP: To save money on energy use, try turning your appliances off and, as much as possible, unplug them. Our electronics nowadays come with 'instant on' capability, which makes for a 24-hour a day, every day energy drain. We don't even think about it, but those TVs, stereos, surge protectors, microwave ovens, dishwashers, cell phone chargers, cable boxes, VCRs, timers, alarm systems, video games and whatnot all consume energy - even when they are turned off!
APS says, "for each surge protector, timer, transformer, instant-on device or product with electronic controls in your home, you can add 25 to 75 cents per month". This really does add up - to a charge of around 13% of your total AC bill each month!
What to do? The idea of unplugging things all over the house every time I leave isn't realistic, but I do try to unplug most of my appliances and devices when I take off for weekend trips or vacations. Maybe you could start there, too.
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