apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Is there an easy way to combat this without repeatedly unplugging and replugging all of your electrical items? How difficult is it to install on/off switches on our plugs so that we can switch electronic items on and off (just like lights) as we enter and leave rooms?

You know how a lot of electronics have the power cor that plugs into the wall, and the other end plugs into the electronic? Like on a laptop? To save energy, do I have to unplug the plug from teh wall, or can I unplug the laptop where the power somes into it? (meaning the plug/cord would still be attached to the wall.)

I'd certainly be willing to unplug my tv, but can't just switch off all the a/v equipment at the spike bar since then Tivo wouldn't work. I can't give up the Tivo.

You have to unplug the plug from the wall.

Christinanyc, I'm with you that, I can't give up my DVR (which is like Tivo). You can do is buy Smart Power Strips which automatically cuts off electronics plugged into it which are being unused.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/green-ideas/the-smart-strip-power-strip-stops-passive-energy-waste-037411

I would then plugg my Tivo or DVR into the wall, so it will always stay on.

I noticed that when my washing machine and my dryer are not in use, a red pilot light is still on each of them. I've started turning them to the off position between use. Are these things also vampires? Does this help?

"I noticed that when my washing machine and my dryer are not in use, a red pilot light is still on each of them. I've started turning them to the off position between use. Are these things also vampires? Does this help?"

The red pilot lights are likely just status lights and are using LEDs. LED's use an extremely small amount of power and they might suck as much as a dime a year in power. I wouldn't be too concerned.

Vanessa in New York,
I don't have the answer on exactly how this is done but I am aware that it is possible. I saw it on that show with Ed Begley Jr. He had an electrician come to his house and install a switch right near the front door which cut the power to all no essential electronic appliances (you can pick which outlets you need to remain on when you are not home)

Vertigo,
Thanks! That's a very cool idea... I wish this was done when my apartment was built. It would be great if developers worked these sort of energy saving tricks into their designs. Anyway, I'm going to look into this. Thanks again for the info.
Vanessa

If you cut power to your TV, don't you have to re-program all of the channels and clock everytime you turn it back on?