12 appliances you can unplug to save $$

Even when they’re turned off, electronic appliances sap energy and cost you money.

The U.S. Department of Energy says that the average U.S. household spends $1,900 per year on energy costs. 5% to 10% of your home electricity is wasted by devices that are plugged in all day everyday.

Lynette Khalfani-Cox at WalletPop came up with a great list of 12 electronics you should remember to unplug in order to save energy and money:

1. Desktop computers
2. Laptop computers
3. Televisions
4. DVD players and VCRs
5. Modems
6. Cable TV boxes
7. Cordless phones
8. Stereos and radios
9. Coffee makers
10. Lamps
11. Toasters
12. iPods and electronic gadgets with a plug-in transformer

Things like TVs and computers suck up the most power. Of course alarm clocks, DVRs, and other things with timers need to stay plugged in. She also suggests buying appliances that have built-in energy-saving features.

Tags: electrical plugs, environmental tech, frugal consumer, green tech, power saving tips, saving energy, saving money