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Q: I’ve heard that some video gaming systems are big energy hogs. Can you tell me which ones cost the most to run?
Mark J., Mason City, IA

A: Some video gaming systems use a lot of energy, while others use very little. According to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a Sony Play Station 3 (PS 3) that’s left on uses as much electricity as two new refrigerators. A Microsoft Xbox 360 uses about the same amount of energy. The Nintendo Wii is the least power-hungry of the gaming consoles. The easiest way to save is to turn off the gaming system when not in use. If you don’t do this, you could be wasting up to $145 a year in electricity costs.

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