Conserving energy at home is not only beneficial for reducing your utility bills but also for reducing your carbon footprint and helping the environment. We have covered tips to help you save on your electric bill, such as turning off the lights when you leave a room and only running the washer and dryer when we have a full load, but how about the not-so-obvious energy-sucking items around the house known as Vampire Energy Wasters?
Vampire energy wasters, also known as standby power or phantom load, refer to devices and appliances that consume electricity even when they’re not in active use. These energy wasters can contribute to higher energy bills and increased carbon emissions. Getting a handle on this waste is an important step in helping conserve energy at home, so we want to help you identify these vampires so you can cut them off at the source.
#1. Conserve energy at home by stopping the vampires
Many electronics like TVs, game consoles, and audio systems continue to draw power even when turned off but plugged in. This is because they’re in standby mode, ready to power up quickly when you hit the remote or button. To reduce this waste, use a power strip to completely disconnect them when not in use.
Chargers : Chargers for devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets can consume energy when plugged in, even if the device is not connected. Unplugging chargers when not in use can help reduce this energy waste.
Computers : Desktop computers and some laptops continue to draw power when in sleep or standby mode. Configuring your computer to enter a low-power sleep mode when not in use and turning it off completely when finished can help save energy.
#2. Devices on Standby, aka Sleep Mode, aren’t totally at rest- Unplug them
Printers and Scanners: Printers and scanners often remain on standby and consume energy to be ready for quick use. Consider turning them off when not in use or using a power strip to control their power.
Gaming Consoles: Game consoles, like Xbox and PlayStation, can consume a significant amount of energy when left in standby mode. Make sure to turn them off completely or unplug them when not in use.
Set-Top Boxes: Cable and satellite TV set-top boxes often consume energy 24/7, even when the TV is turned off. Some newer models offer energy-saving modes, but the most effective way to reduce their energy consumption is to unplug them or use a smart power strip.
Smart Home Devices: Various smart home devices, such as smart speakers, hubs, and cameras, consume energy use energy while in standby mode. Configure them to enter low-power modes or use scheduling to turn them off during periods of inactivity.
#3. Out with the old, replace them with new, energy-efficient options
Appliances with Clocks and Displays: Appliances like microwave ovens, coffee makers, and ovens with digital displays or clocks may consume small amounts of energy to power these features. While the individual energy use may be low, the cumulative effect can add up over time.
Older Appliances: Older appliances are often less energy-efficient and may consume more standby power than newer, more efficient models. Consider upgrading to Energy Star-rated appliances to reduce energy waste.
To identify and reduce vampire energy wasters in your home, you can perform a home energy audit . Make sure that your pool is energy efficient. You can also use smart plugs or smart power strips that allow you to control and measure the energy consumption of individual devices. Additionally, adopting energy-efficient habits and technologies can help reduce overall energy consumption and lower your electricity bills.