Contact: NOVEC Public Relations, 1-703-335-0500, [email protected]
MANASSAS, Va. – This Halloween, homeowners may find that in addition to the pint-sized monsters just outside their doors, there are vampires in the house too – energy vampires. When MarketWatch surveyed 1,000 Americans about their daily use of electricity, the economic news website found:
- Nearly 70% had never heard of the term “vampire energy.”
- 82% said they leave electrical appliances plugged in or turned on when not in use.
- The most common appliance that remains plugged in while not in use is the microwave.
Phantom load energy refers to the electricity wasted when appliances are plugged in but are not being used. Those appliances are still drawing electricity, albeit at a much lower rate. An “energy vampire” is stealing your electricity when a device has a standby light showing whether or not the device is on, or when a device can be activated with a remote control, voice control or timer.
Common culprits include:
- TVs
- Cable boxes
- Printers
- Smart TVs
- Laptop chargers
- Smart kitchen appliances like microwaves and coffee makers
- Gaming consoles
- Desktop monitors and displays
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that vampire energy could make up as much as 10% of your electricity bill, adding up to an extra $100 to $200 a year.
Solutions
Although you could focus on unplugging devices when they are not in use, it’s not practical for appliances like a refrigerator, which has to stay on 24/7, or a washing machine, which might be inconvenient to unplug. But you can make some easy changes:
- Power strips: Power strips allow you to plug in multiple devices at one time, making it simple to cut off the power to multiple devices. In a home office, you can turn off a desktop computer, monitor, printer and other devices with the push of a single button. Smart power strips are even better; they automatically turn off power to connected electronics when not in use.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances: Many devices are designed to minimize phantom loads – like refrigerators, microwaves, and washing machines -- and improve your home’s efficiency. When it’s time to replace old appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR® label.
- Adjust power settings: Smart devices often allow you to customize the power they use; it’s also possible to turn off standby modes.
- Minimize lighted displays: If a device has an option to turn off the display, that will help save on phantom energy loss.
- Use a smart thermostat: Set your heating and cooling system so that you are not heating or cooling your home when no one is home.
