With $48 Million in green energy incentives coming to South Florida, I would like to contribute my two cents to energy conservation: streamlining standby energy in our own homes. We all have standby energy usage and probably don't even know it. I did some "green" research on the Internet and learned that by cutting down on standby energy we can save from 5-15% on energy usage. The beauty of this practice is that it is simple.
Although many home appliances may be turned off when not in use, they still continue to consume energy. This is called standby energy, or leaky energy. The Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy say that appliances with an external power supply, a clock display or a remote control device are constantly tapping energy when off. Appliances on standby consume 40% of our electricity when not in use! For example, televisions with remote controls are constantly looking for the remote signal---even when the TV is off. This expends unnecessary power consumption.
There are simple steps we can take to stop leaky energy in our homes. Begin by unplugging all the "convenient" appliances when not in use. TV, DVD, PVR, VCR and stereo systems are huge energy leakers. Also, grouping appliances by function and connecting them to a single power bar makes the "turn off" process easier with the flick of one switch. Also, when away from computers, leave them in "sleep" mode.
While some appliances in standby power are necessary, such as telephones, gas and smoke detectors, thermostats, and clocks, simple steps like unplugging chargers for cell phones, PDA's and electric tools helps counteract the necessary leakage.
If we all take these simple steps in our daily lives, we can help reduce our energy footprint in our homes. Can you add two cents to what I've learned? The more we share the greener we become.
I wish you all another sunny day from my tropical paradise!
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