Vampire loads, phantom loads, standby energy drain – these are all terms used to describe the slow drain of electricity from appliances when they are not in use. According to Energy.gov, up to 10% of residential electricity usage is attributed to these sneaky energy vampires that continue to draw power even when turned off. In honor of Energyween, let’s take a closer look at how we can scare off these wasteful energy vampires and save energy in the process.
The first step in combating vampire loads is to audit your outlets and identify the culprits. Anything with a display, clock, timer, memory, remote, or that emits heat is constantly drawing power when plugged in, even when not in use. Take a tour of your home and unplug or switch off items that do not need to be constantly powered, such as baby wipe warmers, clocks in guest rooms, game consoles, and coffee makers with unnecessary lights and readouts. For items that can be truly turned off, like computer monitors and speakers, consider using power strips to easily cut off power when not in use.
Power strips with switches are a convenient way to control energy consumption for devices that are often used together. Smart power strips take it a step further by automatically shutting down power to electronics in standby mode, eliminating the need to manually switch off each device. Additionally, avoid unnecessarily charging batteries for devices like electric toothbrushes, power tools, and mobile phones. Charging only when needed or when the battery is nearly empty can help reduce energy waste.
Technology can also be a useful tool in monitoring and managing energy usage. Apps, like the Sense Energy Monitor and Kill A Watt energy monitor, can help track electricity consumption and identify areas for improvement. When purchasing new appliances or electronics, be sure to research their energy requirements and opt for ENERGY STAR rated products for maximum energy efficiency.
By taking these simple steps to identify and eliminate vampire loads, we can make a significant impact on reducing our energy consumption and saving money on electricity bills. So this Energyween, let’s banish those energy vampires and make our homes more energy-efficient.
