Vampire Power
Vampire Power, also known as Standby Power, is when a device is still drawing electricity even when you have turned it off. Every cord that remains plugged in is drawing electricity and can account for as much as 20% of your monthly electric bill. According to the US Department of Energy, 75% of appliance energy use comes from when the appliance is turned off. That’s a lot of unwanted energy use adding emissions into the environment. Luckily, there are ways to cut down on Vampire Power when you know who the offenders are.
Vampire Power Offenders
Vampire Power has some big offenders that we need to be aware of. These devices are constantly drawing power even when they are turned off or in sleep mode. This is because they are lying in wait to be turned on, performing updates, connecting to remote servers, or recording data. Common examples of this is are a TV waiting to sensor the remote to power on or a DVR waiting to record the next show in your lineup. These devices can be classified as remote ready or one click, since that’s all they need to wake up. The big offenders include:
- Computers
- Printers
- Satellite & Cable Boxes
- Stereos
- TV
- Microwave
- Garage Door Opener
- Video Game Consoles
Not As Obvious Energy Drainers
There are energy drainers all around us that contribute to Vampire Power. While some of these aren’t feasible to turn off completely or unplug after every individual use, it is good to be aware of what is contributing to your energy bill and learn how you can combat it. Not as obvious appliance and electronics include:
- Furnace
- Air Conditioner
- Gas Range
- Coffeemaker
- Electric Toothbrushes
- Plugged in Devices (cell phones and laptops once charged)
- Nightlight
How To Stop Vampire Power
Now that we know the offenders of Vampire Power, we need to take steps to combat it. In America, 23% of power consumption is in the form of “idle load electricity”. Therefore, we can all do more to fight these energy drainers and be more aware of our energy consumption.
We can do this by:
- Buying Energy Star Certified Appliances (when you need to replace them)
- Plug your devices into power strips – turn off the power strip when you are done charging your devices
- Use energy saving mode on appliances that have it
- Unplug devices when they are charged
- Unplug appliances and electronics that aren’t used every day – microwave, blender, toaster
- Set up game consoles and computers to go into sleep mode after a short period of time
- Buy power strips that can shut power off after a specified duration – most have outlets that will remain on as well
- Switch to LED bulbs
- Switch to a Smart Thermostat
- Water Sensor
Another great way to combat Vampire Power is to go solar. Not only can you save money but you will reduce your carbon footprint too. When you reduce the effects of Vampire Power and go solar, you are making big moves to conserve electricity and the environment. To learn more reach out to us here!
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Backup Power During Outages