Ongoing power consumption monitoring using Kill-A-Watt meter

In our house I'm found the following phantom loads, or energy leaks, meaning these things are not "on", just plugged in:

Microwave - 1 watts average - 8736 watts per year or 8.7 Kilowatts
TV-VCR-DVD combination - 13 watts average - 113880 per year or 114 kW
Garage opener - 5 watts average - 44 kW year
Stereo system - 5 watts - 44 kW
Computer/LCD/peripherals combination (downstairs) - 28 watts - 245 kW
Computer/printer/lcd combination (upstairs) - 9 watts -79 kW
Sprinkler system (in standby) - 3 watts - 26 kW

Still looking for more, but by turning the above energy drains off, we are saving 560 kW per year just in phantom loads, times our current rate 6 cents (includes the fees) in Spokane which is cheap compared to other parts of this country. This is a total of 33 dollars per year.

To avoid these leaks, combo things were put on power strips, and turned off when not in use, microwave/sprinkler just get unplugged when not in use, and the cable router/wireless boxes are put on timers. Fridge got coils cleaned as well, see tutorial link below.

Ideas for saving energy (more added soon):

- Loose 10 percent off your power bill by cleaning the refrigerator coils:
- caulk air leaks around windows, blow extra insulation in attic, basement etc.
- replace leaking weather/jam strips on doors
- wrap water heater and pipes in 6" fiberglass insulation
- install water heater timer if you have electric water heat (if possible), you can also simply turn down the heat in the water heater, by using a screwdriver and checking the manual.
- put all electronics on switched outlets or switched power strips
- change all lights to CFL's
- Turn lights off as you leave a room, only use regular bulbs in things like pantries where you need it on and off for a few seconds as apparently most CFL's don't like on/off cycling much.
- Use a small toaster oven to cook or warm up small foods rather than the big oven.
- Use an electric steamer rather than the stove.
- Eat produce food cold, you're eating closer to the source/sun that way as well.
- Dry clothes on a clothes line.
- Keep the big PC off until you need to use it, turn on the hybernation feature in your computers, if you are leaving them on for a while. Most keyboards also have a sleep button. Our system goes from consuming 70 watts to consuming 10 watts with the hybernation feature.
- Put on a sweater and have a hot beverage instead of turning on or up the heat.
- Compare costs on various heating methods, clearly geothermal is the winner in this list.
http://www.inlandpower.com/pdf/CostComparison.pdf You can also install a wood burning/pellet stove to heat your house with renewable energy wood or pellets. Heat rises so have it on the lowest level.
- Use an electric kettle to heat up water, rather than the stove burner.
- T V, PC, Dryer, Fridge, and Stove use the most, so limit these and you will save money.

More tips:
http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/makingithappen/tips.html