Many electronic appliances use small amounts of power even if it is turned off but still plugged in. Products with electronic components still draw power into the device and that keeps your electric meter turning and drives your utility bill up higher than it needs to be.

One or two appliances draining a little power might not seem like much but include all the devices in your home and the amount of power use adds up. Why pay more for electric when you're not getting any benefit? Products such as DVD Players, televisions, computers, small kitchen appliances or other electronic products are the culprits.

Some people still have the old misconception that certain equipment (especially computers) last longer if they are never turned off so they leave them on. That was true many years ago with older mainframe computers but that's no longer the case. New advances have virtually eliminated that problem in modern equipment. Since you no longer that to worry about wearing out equipment in that manner let's look at some ways you can benefit.

Here are 3 energy saving tips for electronic products:

1. Unplug devices when not in use to avoid power drain.
2. Use a power strip to turn off power. Check product manuals before doing so because some items may require reprogramming if turned off.
3. Buy "Energy Star" labeled products. According to the US Department of Energy computers with the Energy Star label use up to 70% less electricity than computers without it. Some office equipment with the same label can save as much as 90% on electric.

Caution: Don't unplug or turn off appliances such as refrigerators and freezers that must have a continuous power source.

If you need a little motivation to make the change consider the extra things you and your family can do with the money you save. Take a vacation, eat out more, take a day trip or save it in a college fund. The possibilities are endless. The saving potential is too.