Did you know that you have a Vampire in your Home?

With Electricity Rates at extremely high levels during these hot summer months, you need to learn about these Vampires.

An "electricity vampire," also known as a "phantom load" or "energy vampire," refers to an electrical device or appliance that continues to consume small amounts of electricity even when it is turned off or not in use but still plugged into an outlet. These devices draw power in standby mode or while in a "sleep" state to maintain features like remote control capabilities, displays, or timers. The cumulative effect of these energy vampires can lead to a significant amount of wasted energy and higher electricity bills over time.

Common examples of electricity vampires include:

  1. Chargers: Cell phone chargers, laptop chargers, and other battery chargers often draw power even when the device they are charging is disconnected or fully charged.

  2. TVs and Audio/Video Equipment: Many modern TVs, soundbars, and gaming consoles have standby modes that use electricity to power features like instant-on functionality or remote control reception.

  3. Computers: Desktop computers and monitors can consume power when in sleep mode or hibernate.

  4. Cable Boxes and Set-Top Boxes: Cable and satellite TV boxes often continue to draw power even when turned off, so they can respond to remote commands or maintain an electronic program guide.

  5. Printers: Printers may use a small amount of electricity to stay ready for printing even when not in active use.

  6. Coffee Makers and Microwaves: Some appliances with clocks or timers, like coffee makers and microwaves, can use power when not in use.

  7. Smart Home Devices: Devices like smart speakers, smart plugs, and smart thermostats may draw power for connectivity and updates even when not actively in use.

To reduce the energy consumption of these electricity vampires, you can:

  1. Unplug: Physically unplug devices when they are not in use, especially chargers and appliances you use infrequently.

  2. Use Power Strips: Connect multiple devices to a power strip and turn it off when not in use to cut power to all connected devices simultaneously.

  3. Choose Energy-Efficient Models: Look for Energy Star-rated appliances and devices, which are designed to use less energy when in standby mode.

  4. Enable Power-Saving Features: Configure your devices to enter low-power modes or turn off automatically after a period of inactivity.

  5. Invest in Smart Outlets: Smart outlets or plugs can be controlled remotely, allowing you to turn off connected devices when not needed.

By being mindful of electricity vampires and taking steps to reduce their energy consumption, you can lower your electricity bills and reduce your environmental footprint.