TOM: Is your electric bill giving you sticker shock? The first step in cutting cost is figuring out where all that energy use is going. Hi, I’m Tom Kraeutler.
LESLIE: And I’m Leslie Segrete with today’s Money Pit Home Improvement Minute. So-called vampire appliances draw energy even when they’re turned off. To spot them, look for a big transformer plug. These appliances should be plugged into a power strip that can easily be switched off when you’re not using them.
TOM: Keep toaster ovens, microwaves and coffee makers unplugged when not in use, and run big appliances like clothes washers, dryers and dishwashers only when you’ve got a full load and with heat and water on the lowest settings.
LESLIE: Next, look around your home at the technology that uses chargers: cell phones, MP3 players, iPads and tablet PCs. Even electric razors, electric toothbrushes, laptops, portable game systems and a whole slew of similar devices. You want to unplug the AC adapters and chargers from sockets when they are not actively charging a device.
TOM: That one step will not only cut electricity cost, but it could also extend your gadgets battery life. I’m Tom Kraeutler.
LESLIE: And I’m Leslie Segrete. For more Money Pit Home Improvement tips, visit moneypit.com.
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