Energy Suckers

If someone said to you that they can cut your electricity bill by up to 20% without any additional cost, would you stop and listen? Well, stop and listen.

In every home there are Power Vampires. Power Vampires are items that appear to be 'sleeping' or 'off' but are still drawing electricity. For example, VCRs, phone chargers and most commonly computers. Although the items are off, they are still drawing dribbles of power. In some cases, these dribbles can account for up to 20% of your electricity usage!

So, what to do. Fortunately, the solution is about as simple as turning off a switch. First, take a tour of your home and identify which items are likely culprits.

Here are a couple simple rules:

-items that use an external power adapter or brick are always vampires
-if the equipment feels warm even after it has been turned off for a while it is a vampire [heat=energy]
-if the item has a clock or some other item that is always on, it is likely vampire
-if the item has indicator lights [ie a computer modem] that are always on, it is a vampire

After the items have been identified consider which items do not have to be on all the time. For example, my VCR will always be on because, well, re-programming the clock is a pain. However, my computer does not have to have a constant energy source.

Next, consider what is the most convenient way to disconnect the power source. One of the most common solutions is to put items on a power bar which can be turned on and off with one flick of the switch. For example, all the plugs for my computer [monitor, modems, CPU etc] are on one power bar. After I turn off the computer, I just need to turn off the one power bar and all the vampires are shut down. Other items, such as a stereo unit that is not used often, I simply unplug directly from the wall socket. If the wall socket is not within easy reach, consider getting an extension cord to make the plug more accessible.

Having just started tackling the vampires in our home, it is still at the stage where I must consciously remember to unplug and turn off items. However, like turning off the lights when I leave the room, it is starting to become more and more of a habit. The best part is that it is a habit that will reward me in my pocketbook!