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Does having my electronics plugged in/in "standby" mode actually use a lot of power?
I just had my electric bill contextualized in a way I hadn't before- my 1950s 950sqft home is costing over 10% more than my parents' 1750sqft new build. I'm sure having all new lights and other electronics makes somewhat of a difference, but it's a large enough gap, in a house twice as big as mine, that I'm second guessing my electricity use.
I don't unplug things, but I do turn them off when not in use. I don't have anything insane pulling in a ton of power, I think, and I'm in that sweet spot season-wise where my AC has been put away for weeks and my heat isn't on yet. Water heater isn't electric.
Most days, 1 TV is in standby mode or off entirely, the other is playing in the background while I WFH. WFH station is plugged into 2 power strips, for laptop, an extra monitor, some other little electronics. Lights are off most of the day and evening, maybe a lamp in the living room or the overhead light in the bedroom right before bed.
I've got little things plugged in that are either using minimum power throughout the day, or in standby mode (plugged in but not on)- some pet water fountains, table lamps, phone chargers, electric blankets, a lighted plant stand on a timer, dehumidifiers.
The only things I consistently have plugged in AND running all the time are security cameras and an electric doorbell.
Almost every plug has a surge protector with extra sockets plugged into it. Again, I don't unplug anything, but almost everything is in standby most of the day. Am I misunderstanding standby mode? Does it actually use a ton of electricity? Should I be unplugging everything unless I'm actively using it? Or is something else going on with my electric bill that a house twice my size is costing a not-insignificant amount less in electricity every month?
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I just had my electric bill contextualized in a way I hadn't before- my 1950s 950sqft home is costing over 10% more than my parents' 1750sqft new build. I'm sure having all new lights and other electronics makes somewhat of a difference, but it's a large enough gap, in a house twice as big as mine, that I'm second guessing my electricity use.
I don't unplug things, but I do turn them off when not in use. I don't have anything insane pulling in a ton of power, I think, and I'm in that sweet spot season-wise where my AC has been put away for weeks and my heat isn't on yet. Water heater isn't electric.
Most days, 1 TV is in standby mode or off entirely, the other is playing in the background while I WFH. WFH station is plugged into 2 power strips, for laptop, an extra monitor, some other little electronics. Lights are off most of the day and evening, maybe a lamp in the living room or the overhead light in the bedroom right before bed.
I've got little things plugged in that are either using minimum power throughout the day, or in standby mode (plugged in but not on)- some pet water fountains, table lamps, phone chargers, electric blankets, a lighted plant stand on a timer, dehumidifiers.
The only things I consistently have plugged in AND running all the time are security cameras and an electric doorbell.
Almost every plug has a surge protector with extra sockets plugged into it. Again, I don't unplug anything, but almost everything is in standby most of the day. Am I misunderstanding standby mode? Does it actually use a ton of electricity? Should I be unplugging everything unless I'm actively using it? Or is something else going on with my electric bill that a house twice my size is costing a not-insignificant amount less in electricity every month?
#finance
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Disabled and can barely afford my bills. Scared of the cost of heat this winter.
I live in a tiny, old, uninsulated, and electrically inefficient apartment. One of my windows is stuck open (top half won't stay up about 2in) and creates a draft. The heaters are electric and the main one takes up the length of the southern wall in the unit, and I'm scared to use it cause it makes contact with my bed. Bed is in the southwest corner, TV is on the east wall, dresser is on the north wall next to my closet. I live in North Dakota.
I'm wondering if it would be better to use a space heater in the main room, or if I should switch my bed and dresser around. The electric heat is more expensive than running my window A/C all day. Really don't want to burn down my building. The kitchen and bathroom heaters are shorting out, and the electrician said not to use them. :(
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I live in a tiny, old, uninsulated, and electrically inefficient apartment. One of my windows is stuck open (top half won't stay up about 2in) and creates a draft. The heaters are electric and the main one takes up the length of the southern wall in the unit, and I'm scared to use it cause it makes contact with my bed. Bed is in the southwest corner, TV is on the east wall, dresser is on the north wall next to my closet. I live in North Dakota.
I'm wondering if it would be better to use a space heater in the main room, or if I should switch my bed and dresser around. The electric heat is more expensive than running my window A/C all day. Really don't want to burn down my building. The kitchen and bathroom heaters are shorting out, and the electrician said not to use them. :(
#finance
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What are your best frugal Halloween tips?
Halloween (and most holidays) tend to get pretty spendy. Has anybody seen the price of a bag of candy recently?? This year, I'm trying to be more conscientious both for frugality's sake and be less wasteful.
Halloween costume came from the thrift store and decorations are either natural items or creative re-uses.
Would love to hear other's tips! This community always has great ideas.
Image from: 1 Million Women (an Australian climate focused organization). I'm not affiliated with them, just like their stuff
PS: I wish we had a holiday flair
#finance
Halloween (and most holidays) tend to get pretty spendy. Has anybody seen the price of a bag of candy recently?? This year, I'm trying to be more conscientious both for frugality's sake and be less wasteful.
Halloween costume came from the thrift store and decorations are either natural items or creative re-uses.
Would love to hear other's tips! This community always has great ideas.
Image from: 1 Million Women (an Australian climate focused organization). I'm not affiliated with them, just like their stuff
PS: I wish we had a holiday flair
#finance
