How to Save Energy by Unplugging Battery Chargers
The widespread use of rechargeable batteries over disposable ones allows electronics devices to be used longer, makes them cheaper to operate, and produces much less waste than in the past. The proliferation of rechargeable batteries also means a proliferation of batter chargers, and these in turn can cause a massive drain on energy over time. Even when the device is turned off, if the charger is plugged in, it is still drawing power. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, nearly 75 percent of home electricity used for electronic devices stems from devices that are actually turned off. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Put your battery chargers and device charges out in the open. Select locations such as an end table in the living room or on a counter, this way they will be visible to you and make it easier to remember to unplug them after charging .
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Charge batteries and devices only when you are in the house and awake. Instead of plugging them in at night or when you are asleep, plug them in during the hours that you are active in the house.
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Notice the charging lights on batteries and devices. Most chargers and devices have a small light that will often blink when charging and stop blinking when finished, or turn from red to green when the device or battery is fully charged. Unplug both the battery and device when the light indicates a full charge.
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Notice how long it takes each battery to charge. For instance, if your extra cell phone battery takes two hours to charge, you can remember to check on it after this amount of time.
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Put your TV, stereo, computer, and other devices on an outlet strip to save even more electricity. Simply turn the power off at the strip when you are not using the devices and when you go to bed at night.
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References
- Photo Credit Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
