Save Energy In Your Home By Locating Energy Vampires!

These are the electronics and appliances that consume energy even when they are not being used. They lurk in your home, taking the form of phone chargers and cable boxes, computer cords, and coffee pots. These phantom energy suckers can account for part of your monthly electricity bill.

What is the quickest way to slay an energy vampire? As simple as it sounds, all you need to do is identify the culprits and unplug them.

In addition to unplugging energy vampires, you can also control them. Consider the following tips:

  • Use power strips. Plug wall warts and bricks into power strips, and turn them off when not needed. Use smart power strips to make it even easier. Smart power strips automatically cut off power when devices are not in use.
  • Unplug devices you don’t use often. While this may not be a smart tactic for your alarm clock, if you have devices in your home that you don't use very often — such as a second television set, stereo, or DVD player — consider keeping them unplugged during times that they are not in use.
  • Put it to sleep. Curb idle time by making use of the energy-saving features — such as sleep mode —that are commonly built into computers.
  • Consider your options. When it comes time to replace old or broken devices, choose products that are more energy efficient and have a lower-than-average standby consumption rate.

Can You Recognize the Vampires?

Energy Vampire Activity (JPEG)