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EG Energy Insight

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Understanding Vampire Energy

Vampire energy, also known as phantom power, standby power, or idle load electricity, refers to the electricity that devices consume even when they are not actively in use. Many modern electronics have a standby or "off-but-ready" mode that keeps them connected to a power source, allowing them to be powered on instantly. Common examples include TVs, desktop computers, device chargers, and kitchen appliances. While each device individually uses a small amount of power, the combined effect of all your home’s devices can significantly impact your electricity usage.

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Estimates suggest that vampire energy can account for up to 20% of the electricity consumed in homes and businesses. The actual amount depends on how many devices you have plugged in and how diligent you are about unplugging them when not in use.

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Devices That Consume Vampire Energy

In our increasingly connected world, it’s easy to overlook the impact of vampire energy. Almost any device with a plug can draw energy while not in use, but some are bigger culprits than others. Devices with a "standby mode" or those that can be woken by remote control, such as air conditioning units or audio-visual equipment, are often the worst offenders.

A typical household or office can have dozens of these devices plugged in at any time, with microwaves being one of the most common. As more smart devices enter our homes, this trend is expected to continue.

Identifying Vampire Energy Devices

So, how can you spot these energy vampires? There are a few telltale signs. First, if a device emits a standby light when not in use, it’s likely consuming vampire energy. Second, if you can activate the device with a remote, voice control, or a timer, it’s probably drawing power even when not in use.

Common devices associated with phantom loads include:

  • TVs

  • Cable boxes

  • Stereo systems

  • Printers

  • Laptop chargers

  • Smart kitchen appliances

  • Gaming consoles

  • Desktop monitors and displays

The Cost of Vampire Energy

For many years, most Americans didn’t think much about their home or business energy usage. However, with rising energy prices, improving technology, and increasing awareness of energy conservation, more people are recognizing the importance of managing their energy use.

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If you want to lower your power bill, evaluating how much vampire energy your home or business uses is a good place to start. For example, the average monthly electricity bill for residential customers in the U.S. was $225 in 2023. If 20% of that is due to vampire energy, that’s $45 per month, or $540 annually. This figure could be higher depending on the number of energy-consuming devices in your home.

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As energy prices continue to rise and more energy vampires infiltrate homes, this cost may increase even more.

Conducting an Energy Audit

So, what can you do about vampire energy? Understanding your home’s energy usage allows you to identify where energy is being wasted and make informed decisions to reduce consumption.

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Consider conducting a home energy audit. This involves a thorough inspection of your home’s energy systems, including heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances. You can do this yourself or hire a professional.

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A home audit helps pinpoint sources of energy inefficiency and address issues such as sealing leaks in insulation, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, or installing a programmable thermostat to optimize heating and cooling.

Another useful tool for assessing the energy use of devices in your home is the Kill-A-Watt meter. This device plugs into an outlet, and you then connect an appliance to it, providing real-time data on the appliance’s energy consumption. This information helps identify energy hogs and implement energy-saving strategies.

Taking Action Against Vampire Energy

While it’s not practical to unplug all appliances regularly, there are steps you can take to combat vampire energy and reduce electricity costs.

  • Turn off power strips: This simple yet effective solution cuts off power completely, preventing standby power consumption.

  • Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances: Many ENERGY STAR-certified devices are designed to minimize phantom loads and improve efficiency.

  • Adjust power settings: Most smart devices allow you to customize power settings and disable standby modes.

  • Minimize displays: Many devices have settings to turn off digital clocks and displays.

  • Use a smart thermostat: Installing a smart thermostat helps control your home’s temperature efficiently, reducing heating and cooling costs by optimizing energy usage.

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