Turn It Off: The Energy Saving Switch

With work keeping us constantly on the run, it's hard to keep track of what equipment is on or off, and how much energy we're using while working. Thankfully, most of today's appliances have an energy saving switch, which can turn them on when we need them, and off when we're gone.

Also known as a power saver switch, or a smart saver switch, the energy saving switch can help control the amount of energy being used by an appliance at any time. The energy saving switch can come in the form of a sensor, a timer, or a manual switch to keep equipment from overheating.

When purchasing electronic equipment, invest in something with an energy saving switch. The function has already been installed in lights, refrigerators, computers, fans, and even washing machines!

Lighting has become such an integral part of our busy lives that we often take it for granted that lights can consume a lot of energy, and thus have to be switched off when not in use. As a result, most lighting equipment has been outfitted with an energy saving switch, which can also take the form of a sensor.

Sensors can sense motion or occupancy in a room. They work by emitting infrared or ultrasonic waves. Infrared waves pick up minute changes in a room's light background. Ultrasonic waves, on the other hand, sense motion. Once a person walks into a dark room with such a sensor, the lights go on as if by magic. The real magic, however, is when the energy saving switch works. Once a person leaves, the lights go off.

Refrigerators are also outfitted with an energy saving switch. The switch keeps the refrigerator running efficiently even during warm weather, and stops condensation and mold growth in parts of the refrigerator which are uninsulated. This prevents the refrigerator motor from overworking, and can thus save electricity.

When buying refrigerators, make sure that your model has the energy saving switch feature. Sometimes, however, the feature may allow moisture to form between the freezer and refrigerator compartments, effectively lowering the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator. Take great care to ensure that you use the energy saving switch prudently.

Most cooling fans and air-conditioning units are also equipped with an energy saving switch. This can come in the form of a timer, which makes sure that the unit is turned on for only as long as it is needed.

Computers are one of the most heavily used appliances, whether at home or in the office, and are thus on for the greater part of the day. The computer's energy saving switch comes in the form of a "sleep mode," which is set by the user. In this state, a computer will use up 15 watts or less power - 70% less than if the computer is left on and idle.

Note that a computer's energy saving switch is different from the system's screen saver. A screen saver is actually an energy wasting switch. In fact, a computer's power down feature may not work at all if a screen saver is being used.

When buying computers, look for models with the Energy Star label. If you have to keep your computer on for whatever reason, activate its energy saving switch, or turn the monitor off. If you have to keep your computer on and idle for more than four hours, it would be best to completely shut it down. This way, your computer will use up less energy, and will last longer.

Washing machines have their own energy saving switch, this time in the form of a load sensor. Once clothes are dry, the drier will stop working, thus reducing energy consumption and electricity bills.

The most recent energy saving switch is the smart power strip. These strips act as sensors, and can turn on or off the equipment they are attached to, depending on whether people are present or absent in a room.

Contrary to popular belief, more energy is saved if lights and equipment are switched off whenever they are not needed. If you wish to install an energy saving switch, visit your local hardware store and inquire about it. An energy saving switch, after all, really does live up to its name - and it might save you money and time when properly invested in and used.