(Photo : Pexels / Photo by Karolina Grabowska)
Even when you are not using them, some of your appliances and electronics spend the entire day draining valuable energy that you will be billed for.
In other words, they increase your energy cost for as long as they are plugged in. And even though you might not realize it, they can put a serious burden on your finances.
We have compiled the information you need to know about “energy vampire” appliances that you should unplug when not in use (via CNET [1][2] and Gobankingrates).
How Much Can You Save By Unplugging These Appliances
Realizing how much standby power may mount up shocks a lot of people. The US Department of Energy estimates that 5%-10% of home energy demand is attributed to standby power, according to CNET.
The average home might save up to $100 annually by unplugging appliances, or perhaps more depending on where you reside.
According to research by The Natural Resources Defense Council, decreasing the load from always-on electronics would result in annual savings of $8 billion and a reduction in the consumption of 64 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. Additionally, it helps the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 44 million metric tons annually.
Read More: Solar Panel Buying Guide – Save Money on Electricity (or Pay Nothing at All!)
Some of the Major Energy Vampire Appliances
Below are some of the devices that we highly recommend you to unplug when they are not in use:
Computer Equipment
A desktop or laptop computer is probably consuming a lot of extra energy even while it isn’t being used. This includes any devices or accessories plugged into the PC.
Entertainment Appliances
Yes, most of the energy suckers are present in your living room. These include televisions, even when they are unplugged and turned off.
There is a set-top box attached to your television. If you leave digital cable boxes like the ones provided by your cable provider plugged in all the time, you can end up spending unnecessary energy. Set-top boxes suck up more energy than on your television while they are not in use.
If your living room has a television, you probably have a home stereo system as well. Basically, these audio equipment also use a lot of electricity when left plugged in. However, audio systems use less energy than set-top boxes and televisions do.
Entertainment devices would not be complete without your gaming appliances. Yes, they also consume electricity even if you’re not playing your favorite games.
Consider unplugging any devices in your living room that aren’t in use to save money.
Chargers
Yes, you read that right. Your chargers still draw power even if the device is not connected to your gadgets.
Always-On Devices
Basically, all the devices with permanently on lights or displays suck up energy. To elaborate more, there are appliances which display “OFF” to the LCD or with red LED lights when you are not using them. Obviously, they are sucking up energy that is why there is something being displayed to their screens.
Related Article: How Much Money Can You Save by Switching Off the Lights?