‘Tis the season for ghosts, goblins and… energy vampires?
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, nearly one-quarter of home energy use is consumed by "energy vampires” – the energy used by devices and small appliances when they are turned off or in standby mode. Is the coffee maker, microwave, or game console still plugged in at home? These are all examples of common energy vampires, which account for up to 10% of a home's energy consumption. This usage can add up to approximately $100 to $200 in overages on the average household utility bill each year – a frightening thought!
Smart TVs top the list of energy-draining devices. Today, almost 8 in 10 homes have a smart TV with interactive, web-enabled streaming features and an all-in-one entertainment platform. Other devices and appliances that use a lot of energy include laptops, video game consoles, washers and dryers, lights, refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers , smaller kitchen appliances and hair styling tools.
How to Slay Energy Vampires
While it’s not practical to unplug appliances that need to run consistently like water heaters and refrigerators, you can still slay those draining energy vampires throughout your home with a few smart and safe tips.
- Unplug small devices and appliances like laptops, toasters, cell phones, coffeemakers, tablets and electric toothbrushes when not in use.
- Never leave chargers plugged in without the device. In addition to being a waste of energy, this is also a major fire hazard.
- Connect devices that still use power in off or standby mode to a power strip rather than directly into the socket, including phone chargers, TVs, computers, gaming consoles, and printers.
- Consider purchasing ENERGY STAR® certified appliances when the time comes to replace your next appliance.
