The Fall season is the perfect time of year to hunt for energy vampires in your home. These devices, which suck up power even when they’re turned off or not in use, could be costing you up to $200 a year in wasted energy.
What Are Energy Vampires?
Also known as phantom energy or standby power, energy vampires are devices that consume electricity just by being plugged in. While common culprits are electronics and smart devices, many other appliances can also be energy vampires.
You can spot them if the device:
- Has a continuous display. Devices like ovens, microwaves, TVs, or thermostats that have a screen that is always on are constantly using power.
- Has an internal clock. Even if there isn’t a visible display, some appliances, like coffee makers, have an internal clock that uses electricity to keep the time.
- Monitors temperature. Appliances like refrigerators or thermostats constantly check the temperature, which requires continuous power.
- Receives a signal. Your TV, gaming console, or Bluetooth speakers are always ready to receive a signal from a remote, which means they are always drawing power.
- Is activated by light or motion. Automatic night lights and other motion-activated devices can use power even when they aren’t actively in use.
The Most Common Energy Vampires
Some devices are bigger energy vampires than others. Here are some of the worst offenders:
- Cable/satellite boxes: These often remain on standby and consume power continuously.
- Chargers: Phone, tablet, and other chargers can draw power even when they aren’t connected to a device.
- Gaming consoles: These can consume a significant amount of power while in standby mode.
- Microwaves: Even when not in use, they consume energy to power their clocks and displays.
- Televisions: Modern smart TVs are some of the worst energy vampires due to features like Wi-Fi connectivity and DVR capabilities.
- Refrigerators: While you can’t unplug your fridge, it’s a major energy user. Focus on making it more efficient instead of unplugging it.
How to Slay an Energy Vampire
While we can’t completely eliminate phantom energy, you can significantly reduce its impact on your electricity bill.
- Unplug devices when not in use. The most effective way to stop an energy vampire is to completely disconnect it from the power source.
- Use a power strip. Plug multiple devices into one power strip and use the on/off switch to easily cut power to all of them at once.
- Use a smart power strip. These strips can sense when a device is not in use and automatically shut off the power.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances. If you’re in the market for new appliances, look for models that use less electricity.
- Do a home energy audit. A professional auditor can assess your home’s energy use and give you personalized recommendations.
By taking a few simple steps, you can slay these energy vampires and make a noticeable difference in your energy budget and for the environment.
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