We cut way down on vampire power

Many devices use some electricity even when they are not turned on. This is called vampire power or phantom power and is electricity used just because the unit is plugged in.

We get a rating each month that tells us what our usage is relative to our neighbors. We had drifted into the wasteful slob zone a few months back, so I got serious.

For our computers, I bought surge protectors that only allow electricity to accessories, like the desk light and printer, when the computer itself is turned on. For the cell phone chargers, we use small plugs that have timers on them, my I Phone charges to 98% in three hours if I let it get real low. So I set the little plug for three hours, it has a choice of 1/2, 3 or 6.

For the coffee maker and water pot, we have another plug that just switches off and on. In rooms that we don't use often, TVs/DVRs are unplugged unless in use. For the entertainment center like area, only the TV and cable box get constant power. The stereo and DVR are on the same surge protector, but they have a separate switch which I need to press manually.

Lots of little things can make a big difference