Idle Load: Reducing Energy Wasted by Non-Active Devices

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Date

2021

Authors

Colby, Honour
Haffner, Dalton

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Oregon

Abstract

This case study measured the difference in energy usage in a single bedroom to examine if unplugging appliances, when not being used, will significantly affect the energy bill. Appliances consume energy even when they are turned off, which is unnecessary energy use and will increase costs as well. It was hypothesized that unplugging all appliances in a bedroom when not in use would decrease energy usage in the room by 25%. It would also decrease monthly energy costs for the room. A digital power monitor meter was used to measure the active and idle energy consumption of each appliance in order to calculate total energy usage for conditions in which they are left plugged in for 24 hours. This was then repeated on a day when the appliances were only plugged in for active use. In comparing results from the different days it was found that energy can be reduced by about 30% when appliances are only plugged in during active use.

Description

1 page.

Keywords

Energy, Audit, Idle, Power, Appliance

Citation