Energy Vampires: Learn How to Identify & Tame Them

Vampire ENERGY

Vampire energy is a new term I learned today. I admit I knew the concept but like most Americans, I haven’t made the effort to conserve energy like I should. So what is it?

Vampire energy is the energy used by things 24 hours a day, even when they are turned off or aren’t being used. You may not realize that TVs, VCRs, DVD players, computers/printers, stereos, microwaves, coffee machines, washers/dryers, rechargeable power tools, etc use vampire energy. You think you’ve turned them off, but they are still using power.

We think the TV remote saves us energy but it actually wastes energy because the TV must be on to receive a command from the remote. The little clocks on microwaves and VCRs, use power around the clock adding to our monthly energy bill and … how many clocks do we need in the kitchen?. The amount of vampire energy used is about 5% of the energy consumed in the US, costing  consumers more than $3 billion each year.

What can you do to reduce vampire energy?

• Unplug appliances directly from wall outlets when not in use. Plug electronic devices into a power strip or two, and switch them off after you finish using them. Don’t worry as this won’t harm your electronics.
• If you’re not going to be using your computer for a while and don’t want to shut it down, turn off the monitor. Screen savers don’t reduce the amount of energy used.
• Try to use natural light whenever possible during the day and turn lights off when not in use.
• When buying new appliances, make sure they have earned the EnergyStar® rating, using less energy, sometimes half as much, to perform their normal duties.

Energy Star

The ENERGY STAR® label is found on the appliance itself or the box it comes in. You can also check the yellow Energy Guide Label that shows how much energy the appliance will use and compare it with others.

ENERGY STAR ratings can be researched on the web. They should be a key factor in purchasing high energy appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners. Ratings are also available for home building materials that don’t use electricity, like windows.