Can you actually save a decent amount of money by unplugging things like cable boxes, microwaves, etc.?
I've taken to shutting things down when I leave for work, but there's really no way I'll be able to determine how much I'll save. If it's not significant enough I'd rather not bother – waiting for the cable to reboot is a pain!
We have two cable boxes with associated TVs and DVDs that get shut down along with our clean air machines. Is it worth it?
I wouldn't worry to much about cable boxes. I think when you turn them off at power button they go into a power saving mode.
As for other devices.
They have various gadgets out to help you with your problem! First I found is something called a green plug. Its suppose to help cut back power usage on stuff like refrigerators ect.
Another is a Kw/hr monitor it records the usage per item.
Check these out see if its something you willing to try out.
Both links are from Amazon but i'm sure you can look at places like radio shack or hardware stores.