Genealogy Chat

I usually just close computer down when I have finished but I never switch off at the mains, I don't acrually shut it down as it takes too long to start up. I was told that a computer uses quite a lot of electric if left on is this right? What does everyone else do please?
Sue

Log off and turn monitor off, base unit goes off automatically when computer closes down - dont think it uses any power after that but may be wrong.
By the way did you know the clock on a microwave uses more power than the actual appliance over the space of a year

We have 15 computers that still show green lights when turned off from the start menu so we have to turn off at the mains.

I also keep my printer turned off unless in use although I leave my modem on.

Claire (who's 25 year old microwave is still working even though it's been given away. Bring back Bejam!)

Thanks for your answers

Most modern computers do use a tiny amount of power when switched off but still plugged in. The amount we are talking about in miniscule, and not worth worrying about.

I think there is too much emphasis on turning this that and the other off to save energy, when they are only consuming small amounts of power. Far more emphasis should be given on cutting down the use of high power items, such as tumble driers, washing machines and diswashers, which are the real energy guzzlers.

On the subject of high energy appliances I never use the washing machine or trier unless I am in the house, since I saw alarming figures showing a large increase in the number of domestic fires caused by high energy applicances overheating

Current wiring regs state that all kitchen appliances must have a means of switching them off in an emergency. If the socket is inaccessible without pulling the machine out, then there needs to be a separate on off switch mounted were you can reach it.

Ah wondered why the mains switch for fridge was on the wall and not on the socket behind it...you learn something new

your computer is still drawing power even though it HAS shut down, althought the power drain is not much , in the interest of safety you SHOULD switch it off!!
My lott is fed from a multi socket, which is plugged into a single socket, all I need to do, is withdraw the plug

Bob

Re clothes driers, I once put some things in mine to finish off and came upstairs. Half an hour or so later I realised it was still churning away. It should have finished. I discovered the belt (I think it was) was broken. So that would be why they sometimes overheat. I would never put mine on overnight or when going out. I usually use it for only 10-15 mins to finish off washing which has been drying on the line, in winter when it doesnt always get properly dry.
I agree with gremlin that we should cut down on some of these power hungry things.
Huia.

Read on a "doggy" forum a post from a woman who puts her dogs' towels in the drier before she takes them out in the rain, so that they have warm towels when they come back! What a waste of power!

When we've been out in the rain the dog gets the hose in the garden before being rubbed down with an old towel. Trouble with some dog owners is that they tend to attribute human characteristics to them. Dogs couldn't give tuppence about warm towels, they much prefer ice cold smelly ponds (well my dog does) :)

or irrigation drains........LOL

(Dykes-Ditches)

Or deposits left by cows, foxes or horses!

I switch everything off at the mains except the fridge/freezer. I always like to close the stable door before the horse bolts - just in case. Weird things do happen. LOL

When I've turned the computer off and its gone all quiet I then switch off at the wall socket.

We had a power cut at 5 in the morning, when it came on again everything leapt into action, TV Computer, clocks ,radios all leapt into action full blast, all that flashing and buzzing !
It took about 20 minutes to reset all the times, only forthepower to go out for another hour !