03-09-2012, 04:13 AM
Yup, Wal-wart transformers and tv's even coffee makers use standby power. Cordless phones, Electronic tooth brushes etc...etc... are known as (vampire) sucking power... If you got cell phones and ipad/ipods, power tools that are battery operated ... Basically anything with a battery will suck down power just to keep the battery topped off.
Best way for this? Put all your items like ipads, cell phones, tooth brushes and anything you ABSOLUTELY need charged every day on a timer. Figure out how long your items take to fully charge set the timer for 5 hours for example... The timer will go on at midnight when you got your phone and toothbrush etc...etc... on a power strip for 5 hours each night will save a lot on your bill. They even have remote control outlets that are preprogrammed to stay on for X amount of hours.
If you house is using a electric hot water, make sure you put that on a timer as well. Just remember ... Anything that is remote control or has a clock on it is most likely sucking down 2-4 watts just plugged in doing nothing... Switch all your light over to led or CFL bulbs.
One easy way to go about it, is switch to small solar setup so you can run all your lights, and charge all your 12 volt devices. There are tons of items that run straight off of 12V. So, that would/could save you 10-15 a month alone. The best way to save power in Hawaii? Get rid of your hot water heater all together and get passive solar! Easy 30-40 bucks a month in savings right there!
Anyone know if you go on vacation and throw the main breaker on the panel ... What would be the MINIMUM with charge per month with using ZERO power?
Best way for this? Put all your items like ipads, cell phones, tooth brushes and anything you ABSOLUTELY need charged every day on a timer. Figure out how long your items take to fully charge set the timer for 5 hours for example... The timer will go on at midnight when you got your phone and toothbrush etc...etc... on a power strip for 5 hours each night will save a lot on your bill. They even have remote control outlets that are preprogrammed to stay on for X amount of hours.
If you house is using a electric hot water, make sure you put that on a timer as well. Just remember ... Anything that is remote control or has a clock on it is most likely sucking down 2-4 watts just plugged in doing nothing... Switch all your light over to led or CFL bulbs.
One easy way to go about it, is switch to small solar setup so you can run all your lights, and charge all your 12 volt devices. There are tons of items that run straight off of 12V. So, that would/could save you 10-15 a month alone. The best way to save power in Hawaii? Get rid of your hot water heater all together and get passive solar! Easy 30-40 bucks a month in savings right there!
Anyone know if you go on vacation and throw the main breaker on the panel ... What would be the MINIMUM with charge per month with using ZERO power?