Home electronics can make our personal lives simpler and more efficient. However, it’s essential to be mindful of their energy usage to have a better understanding of how they may affect energy consumption within the home.
Thinking about power modes
Before purchasing smart home gadgets, consider the type of power modes they utilize to get an idea of the power usage you can expect from them. This way, you can find great systems, without hiking up your electricity bill.
In general, electronics operate in 1 to 4 modes and can continue to draw power after being turned off. These modes include:
- Active: The system is in use. For example, a TV playing a movie.
- Active standby: Electronic isn’t being used for primary function but is turned on and ready to go. For example, your cell phone charging.
- Passive standby: System appears to be turned off but can be turned on with a click of a button or remote. For example, a microwave.
- Off: The whole system is shut down without any sort of functionality.
Cozy comforts for entertainment & relaxation
Home entertainment systems are great for enhancing fun at home and often consist of smart TVs for quick access to your favorite streaming services and speakers with quality audio.
Depending on your system many home entertainment gadgets can sync up to your smart phone for remote control. Some of the latest gadgets include power saving modes that when enabled, consume less energy saving you money over the long run.
Computers and home office equipment
If you would like to enhance your home office, the latest laptops and computers can be a great aid to your workload. However, it’s good to be mindful of the amount of energy they consume to have more control over your energy bill.
For example, on average, desktop computers consume around 239 watts of power annually versus laptops, which consume about 75 watts of power per year.
A new laptop or home entertainment system is always super exciting and can help with tasks around the house. However, before purchasing these systems paying attention to their energy usage can help in saving money on your energy bill.
About the Author
Kimberly Hering
Kimberly Hering's devotion to helping people achieve their real estate goals stems from her genuine enjoyment of the process. Whatever the task, Kimberly makes it her mission to get it done, however she can, without compromising her client's needs. Often, that means thinking outside the box. After working with Kimberly, clients describe her as being Trustworthy, Creative, Patient, Highly Skilled, Attentive to the Process and having a lot of Integrity.
After spending more than 15 successful years working on Wall Street, Kimberly transitioned into Real Estate, joining Alain Pinel Realtors, then moving to Zephyr, now Corcoran Global Living, in 2018. During her career on Wall Street, Kimberly was a Vice President working as an Institutional Equity Salesperson for Montgomery Securities for 10 years. She covered the top money managers throughout the US and Canada. She joined Jefferies & Co as a Senior Vice President managing the Western Region Institutional Sales group, while continuing to cover the top money managers.
Kimberly leverages her extensive experience selling equities to top money managers throughout the US and Canada, to successfully negotiating any Real Estate transaction seamlessly for her clients. Kimberly is well versed in Marin's neighborhoods, towns, cities, and education system.
Living in the Bay Area for 35 years, 25 years in Marin and having 2 sons in local Marin schools, Kimberly spends a lot of time volunteering in the community and serving on various local Boards. Kimberly has a collection of resources ranging from the best local breakfast spots to vetted contractors. With her reliable list of valuable resources, Real Estate experience and unsurpassed knowledge of Marin's many communities, Kimberly can guide her clients through every aspect of a Real Estate transaction seamlessly.
Relocating to Marin, downsizing, upsizing, first time home buying, final home purchase or sale, or a lot to build a dream home, no matter the undertaking, Kimberly works seamlessly until the job at hand is completed with 100% satisfaction.