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Originally Posted by suicideneil
Interesting info about the 'wall-warts' (never heard them called that before), I never knew they could draw a current like that. Believe it or not though, there are a new generation of low-energy light bulbs that CAN be used with dimmer switches; havent seen any around, but there was an advert for them on the telly the other day. I should get some though, would help my electric bill a little. The only reason I never bought any before was because of price & the fact they take ages to 'warm up' to full brightness, and didnt like being turned on & off in quick sucession. Nower days though they are alot cheaper, warm-up almost instantly, and I can live with leaving them turned on or off depending on my movements around the flat.
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Well, 5w is only 40mA since we're talking about 120v here. That figure also depends on the size of the transformer. The smaller ones comsume less, larger ones more - but fairly close to that.
Yeah, the newer Fl bulbs seem to turn on and reach brightness quickly. But, they do start acting like the older style when they get to the end of their life.
All these methods to save power won't save a lot on a monthly basis, but you could shave $50 or more over the course of a year.
The biggest power hog is anything that has a heating element (dryer, house heater, hair dryers, etc). During the summer months, you could save a lot by hanging clothes outside to dry instead of using the dryer. Lowering the thermostat in the winter by even a couple degrees can help a lot too (assuming elec heat).