Energy vampires are devices that suck power, even when they’re not in use. These vampires can boost your electric bill $100 to $200 a year. Here are some easy fixes to frighten them away:
- Unplug your chargers. Cell phone chargers continue to drain energy, even when disconnected from your phone. Don’t forget to unplug them when they’re not in use.
- Use a power strip. Use a power strip to shut off your TV and game console all at once when you’re not using them. Advanced power strips will cut the power to idle electronics so you don’t have to remember to do so.
- Check the bathroom. Unplug hair dryers, electric shavers and curling irons when you’re finished using them.
- Go to sleep. When you go to bed, make sure your electronics do, too. Put your computers in sleep mode or turn them off completely.
- Upgrade, if you can. Newer, Energy Star appliances are getting smarter and take less energy than their predecessors. Cable boxes used to be some of the deadliest energy vampires, but new models (post 2013) are much more efficient. Check with your cable provider about updating your box.
- Learn more. Read about energy vampires in your home, how much power they waste and the best ways to ward them off here.
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