The question of "let it run, or shut it off" is more than simply the electrical cost.

That's the cheapest part of the equation.

I turn my studio gear off. Leaving it on subjects it to electrical spikes from the utility company 24/7 vs the 2 hrs or so I'm working on it. These things are coming down the line constantly. So use a good surge suppressor all the time. But lightning and utility switching surges can be larger than the MOV's can handle.

Also, when the gear is on, the electrical voltage is a pressure that affects the lifespan of the components. Any time there is voltage and current in a circuit, that pressure is there AND heat is being created. Heat also shortens the component lifespan.

Turning the computer off also clears the memory cashe which is a good thing to do.

The down side is that every time you turn it on, you cause a bit of a shock to the circuit as the current rushes in to charge things up and get it running again.

I weigh the options and choose the shut down. Besides, look at all that money I'm saving as electricity prices skyrocket.

Last edited by Guitarhacker; 02/16/14 11:02 AM.
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