Contact: NOVEC Communications, 1-703-335-0500, communications@novec.com
MANASSAS, Va. – This Halloween, homeowners may want to keep an eye out for “energy vampires,” electrical appliances that keep sucking electricity even when they are not in use. If they are plugged in, they are drawing electricity, albeit at a lower rate, and costing you money.
An energy vampire is stealing your electricity when a device has a standby light showing, whether or not the device is on, or when a device can be activated with a remote control, voice control or timer.
Common culprits include:
- TVs
- Cable boxes
- Printers
- Smart TVs
- Laptop chargers
- Smart kitchen appliances like microwaves and coffee makers
- Gaming consoles
- Desktop monitors and displays
The U.S. Department of Energy has estimated that vampire energy could make up as much as 10% of your electricity bill, adding up to an extra $100 to $200 a year.
Solutions
Although you could focus on unplugging devices when they are not in use, it’s not practical for appliances like a refrigerator, which has to stay on 24/7, or a washing machine, which might be inconvenient to unplug. But you can make some easy changes:
- Power strips: The average U.S. household owns approximately 24 consumer electronic products, according to ENERGY STAR. Power strips allow you to plug in multiple devices at one time, making it simple to cut off the power to multiple devices. In a home office, you can turn off a desktop computer, monitor, printer and other devices with the push of a single button. Smart power strips are even better; they automatically turn off power to connected electronics when not in use.
- Power tip: Make sure that computer games that prevent your computer from going to sleep are not left running while you aren’t using your computer. Also, unplug battery chargers when the batteries are fully charged or the chargers are not in use.
- When streaming content: Choose the smallest device that makes sense for the number of people watching. Avoid streaming on game consoles, which use 10 times more power than streaming through a tablet or laptop.
- Adjust your television screen: Set your television to the “home” or “standard” setting to reduce the brightness and reduce your TV’s energy use by 18% to 30%.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances: Many devices are designed to minimize phantom loads – like refrigerators, microwaves, and washing machines -- and improve your home’s efficiency. When it’s time to replace old appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR® label.
- Adjust power settings: Smart devices often allow you to customize the power they use; it’s also possible to turn off standby modes.
- Minimize lighted displays: If a device has an option to turn off the display, that will help save on phantom energy loss.
- Use a smart thermostat: Set your heating and cooling system so that you are not heating or cooling your home when no one is home.
