Your church’s electronics still cost money when turned off or in standby mode. Although they may seem “off,” they are actually still consuming electricity. It is called standby power, and it costs Americans an estimated $4 billion extra per year.

FIRST, TURN THINGS OFF

Unfortunately, some do not even bother to turn their electronics off. Neglecting this simple step wastes a significant portion of a church’s budget. And if this is you, standby power is the least of your problems. Researchers at Choice recently tested the energy consumption of popular electronics and discovered:

• Sony Playstation 3
  >> $260.76 yearly while on & playing
  >> $228.28 yearly when left on & idle
  >> $2.33 yearly while off (standby power)
• Plasma TV
  >> $232.10 yearly when left on
  >> $1.13 yearly while off (standby power)
• Xbox 360
  >> $203.38 yearly while on & playing
  >> $184.32 yearly when left on & idle
  >> $3.16 yearly while off (standby power)
• Desktop PC
  >> 130.23 yearly when left on
  >> $9.57 yearly while off (standby power)
• iMac
  >> $80.05 yearly when left on
  >> $7.42 yearly while off (standby power)
• LCD Monitor
  >> $43.13 yearly when left on
  >> $2.14 yearly while off (standby power)
• DVD Player
  >> $34.42 yearly while on & playing
  >> $27.25 yearly when left on & idle
  >> $1.77 yearly while off (standby power)

If your church youth group has a game room, be sure the Playstations and Xboxes are turned off after service. Turn off the DVD players in your children’s ministry after using them. Have staff turn off their computers at the end of the day. These small habits can save your church thousands of dollars each year.

SECOND, PREVENT STANDBY POWER

There are ways to prevent standby power. In fact, here are five quick fixes.

1. Manually Unplug Devices
   It is so simple but too inconvenient for many.
2. Remote Control Sockets
   Turn off power outlets via remote control. This is an extremely useful option for hard to reach places.
3. Smart Power Strip
   When you turn your computer off (or another primary device), the power strip automatically turns off power to the other power strip sockets.
4. Timer Power Strip
   Since many church electronics are only used at specific times each week, why not get a power strip with a timer.
5. Buy Energy Star
   The best way to reduce energy consumption (standby or actual use) is to simply purchase more efficient products.

For Discussion:
- What are your energy saving tips for churches?

[via The New York Times]