When electronic gadgets are in standby mode, they use a small amount of energy even when you’re not using them, and this “vampire power” adds up. Entertainment centers are full of these energy-sucking devices.
Most TVs slowly sip electricity while waiting for someone to press the on button. They use energy to remember channel lineups and keep time. Cable and satellite boxes also consume energy when we think they’re off. Voice-activated devices draw a small amount of electricity as they continuously listen for your voice commands.
Although these products typically use less than 0.5 watts in standby, it adds up. A typical American home has a vampire load that adds up to 5%–10% of electricity use. The Department of Energy estimates that one home’s energy vampires can add up to $100 in wasted energy costs each year.
Identify Plug Parasites
- Microwave ovens and alarm clocks, which use relatively small amounts of standby power, are acceptable to leave plugged in. Gaming consoles, TVs and other entertainment components use fairly significant amounts of power when turned off. Consider unplugging the TV in the guest room or audio equipment that you rarely use.
- You don’t have to worry about unplugging items with mechanical on/off switches, such as lamps, hair dryers or many small kitchen appliances—they don’t draw any power when turned off.
Power Strips Bring Savings
- Try plugging household electronics such as computers, monitors, printers, cellphone chargers and game systems into power strips with switches. Not only do power strips protect from power surges, they also allow you to turn off several items at once.
- Consider switching to smart power strips, which help reduce your energy use by automatically shutting off power to devices in standby mode. Payback for power strips can generally be achieved in less than one year.
Keep those power suckers away for good — learn more about BEC’s Energy Saver Program here!