How Vampire Energy Drains Power and How to Stop It
Have you ever looked at your energy bill and wondered where all that electricity usage was coming from? If your energy bill seems higher than it should be, it might be due to vampire energy.
But what is vampire energy?
Vampire energy refers to the energy used by devices when they are plugged in but not in active use. They may be turned off or in standby mode, but if they’re plugged in, they’re still drawing electricity. This phenomenon is also called standby power, phantom load, vampire power, and other similar names.
According to a study from 2015, vampire energy costs the average U.S. household $165 per year, with some households paying up to $440 per year, depending on their utility rates. This totals approximately $19 billion worth of electricity used by vampire energy in the United States.
How to Fight Vampire Energy
There are three primary strategies for fighting vampire energy.
- Unplug devices when you aren’t using them.
- Use power strips and surge protectors.
- Use energy-efficient devices.
Each of these strategies reduces energy use, saves you money, and benefits the environment. Different devices and situations call for different strategies to be used, so let’s look at each strategy in detail.
Unplug Devices when You Aren’t Using Them
Unplugging devices when they’re not in use is the simplest way to cut back on vampire energy. Here are a few examples of devices that are easy to unplug when you’re not using them:
- Charging cords (for phones, laptops, electric toothbrushes, etc.)
- Printers
- Coffee makers
- Box fans
- Space heaters
It may not be easy or practical to unplug certain devices when they’re not in active use. For those instances, the next two strategies will be useful.
Use Power Strips and Surge Protectors
Using a power strip is another easy way to reduce vampire energy and save on energy costs. Most power strips can be turned off with a switch, cutting off the flow of electricity. So, you can plug in multiple devices to a power strip and turn the strip off when you’re not using any of them. This will prevent these devices from consuming vampire energy.
This strategy is useful for setups that contain multiple devices. For instance, you can plug your TV, speakers, disc player, and game console into one power strip, then turn that strip off when you’re not using your entertainment system. This strategy can also be used for home computer setups.
You can also use advanced power strips to make saving energy even easier. These devices use a variety of features, such as timers and motion sensors, to power off automatically when they’re not needed. Learn more about the different types of advanced power strips and their uses with this infographic from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Keep in mind that some devices that use high amounts of amperage, such as those with heating elements or large electric motors, should not be plugged into power strips. These include refrigerators, coffee makers, space heaters, and vacuum cleaners. For appliances like these and devices that must always be powered on, our final strategy is especially helpful.
Use Energy-Efficient Devices
Some devices draw more electricity than they need due to imperfect design. Replacing these inefficient devices with energy-efficient ones is another strategy for reducing vampire energy.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administers a program called ENERGY STAR® that helps consumers recognize energy-efficient devices. Manufacturers can label their products with the ENERGY STAR® logo if they meet certain energy efficiency standards set by the EPA. So, the next time you’re shopping for an appliance or electronic device, look for the blue ENERGY STAR® label to fight vampire energy and lower your energy bill.
Fight Vampire Energy with Delano Municipal Utilities
Vampire energy is one of the main culprits for high electricity bills. But by unplugging unused devices, using power strips, and using energy-efficient devices, you can cut back on vampire energy and save money.
Delano Municipal Utilities is here to help you understand your utility bill and recommend ways to use electricity more efficiently. View a detailed breakdown of your utility bill or contact us with questions.