Quote:
Originally Posted by ZachUA
Hey Wyatt, I do have the TV and DVD player on a power strip. I don't know for sure that it was unplugged the entire month, but I do tend to keep the strip turned off. The only other things that remain plugged in are...
computer
fridge
washer/dryer (they were plugged in but never turned on)
microwave
couple of lamps
The computer was turned off and unplugged for the whole time I was away during Christmas break.
The only electrical thing I'd say I use frequently at home is the computer. I normally surf the web for a couple hours when I get home.
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Sounds like you need a Kill-A-Watt. If you can measure your various devices and figure out how many watts they use, then track how often you use them over an average day or week, you should be able to calculate the monthly usage and find out whether a) you have something that draws more than you think, or b) that you're getting the shaft somehow.
I had a set of Boston Acoustics computer speakers with an enormous power brick. Turns out that that power brick drew a continuous 40 watts, 24 hours a day... even when the speakers were turned off! Needless to say, I dumped them for a set of speakers that actually turn OFF when you turn them off.
I would also recommend turning off your breakers one night, especially if the main house is occupied and their lights are on. If they come out complaining that something in the house went out, you know you're subsidizing them.