More on standby power

In the July 31 post, I discussed standby power, which is the electricity that electronic devices use when they are turned off or in a standby mode.  More ways to reduce standby power use include:

• When it is time to buy a new appliance, computer, or TV, look at the features each model has for putting it into a sleep mode that uses less standby power. 
• Check the owner’s manual for all your products.  Many have features that you can select that will reduce how that item uses energy.  Computers allow you to change settings so that the computer will go into hibernate or sleep mode after a period of inactivity.  You can select that period of inactivity based on your habits and needs.
• Consider using ENERGY STAR® products.  ENERGY STAR products are energy efficient and many have lower standby power.  You can read more at www.energystar.gov.   The website has information on a wide variety of products and how the ENERGY STAR ratings work.   Many products have ENERGY STAR labels attached at the store that helps you compare energy efficiency of products.