Energy Vampires: Don’t Be Spooked by High Energy Bills

Common Energy Vampires:

• Televisions: Even when turned off, TVs often draw power for features like clocks, timers, or standby modes.

• Set-top boxes: Like TVs, these devices often stay powered on standby to allow for quick access.

• Computers and laptops: While not in use, they may still draw power for background tasks or maintain a connection.

• Game consoles: Similar to TVs, game consoles often have standby modes that consume energy.

• Printers: Even when not actively printing, printers can consume power in standby.

• Chargers: Phone chargers, laptop chargers, and other device chargers can draw power even when not actively charging a device.

• Microwaves: Microwaves with digital clocks or timers often draw power even when not actively heating food.

• Coffee machines: Similar to microwaves, coffee machines with digital clocks can be energy vampires.

Reducing Energy Vampire Consumption:

• Unplug devices: The most effective way to eliminate energy vampire consumption is to unplug devices when not in use.

• Use power strips: Smart power strips can automatically cut off power to connected devices when they are not in use, reducing standby power.

• Turn off power strips: If you don't have a smart power strip, simply turning off the power strip can eliminate vampire energy.

• Be mindful of standby modes: When possible, choose devices that have a true off switch rather than relying solely on standby modes.

• Unplug chargers when not in use: Even when a device is fully charged, the charger can still draw power if left plugged in.

• Know when energy vampires are lurking: Keeping track of energy vampires can you reduce their impact on your bill.  Download the SmartHub app (GooglePlay or iOS) and set energy thresholds to notify you when you use more than a certain amount of energy in a day.  This is a powerful solution to help you take control of your energy usage before you receive an unexpectedly high bill.