During Earth Hour, Consider Turning Off Idle Electronics

If you're turning off your lights for Earth Hour on Saturday, consider also unplugging or powering down household appliances. Many of them consume energy, even when they're not in use.

The phenomenon is known as idle or standby power. Household devices and even appliances like washers are becoming more digital. But there's a cost. Researchers say these things use trace amounts of energy to keep their electronic displays and controls running.

The average U.S. household has about 65 devices, appliances or other electronics, and if they're all running, they use a lot of energy. Approximately a quarter of all U.S. household electricity consumption goes to devices in standby mode. That's the equivalent of $19 billion a year in utility bills.

Earth Hour Doesn't Help The Earth Very Much

Energy use drops during the one-hour time frame, but power plants keep burning fuel.

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But experts say there are simple fixes, like recognizing which appliances or devices use standby energy and unplugging rarely used ones. Studies have shown the worst offenders tend to be cable boxes, along with laptops and their chargers.

Experts also say if you're using a bunch of devices together that all need separate plugs, like a TV and speakers, put them on the same power strip so the devices can be turned off with a single switch. And when it's time to replace larger household appliances, look for low-standby products.