ENERGY VAMPIRES AND HOW TO STOP THEM
Residential electrical device usage is at an all-time high, and as a result, more homes are requiring larger circuit breaker panels to manage the consumption of power by various gadgets. While we know that these devices draw energy when they're turned off, the question emerges: how much power are they using when they're turned off and not in use? Furthermore, is it even worth a worry?
The culprits
Oddly enough, it doesn't seem like a house would have that many energy-draining objects. But take a breath before you see the average number of electrical ‘vampires’ in an ordinary home: it's forty!
What kind of gadgets bleed a tiny bit of electricity even when they're off? These are energy 'vampires’:
If you're into entertainment, look to your television, CD player, game console, stereo, speakers, turntables, musical instruments (such as an electronic keyboard), DVD player, satellite or cable tv and the set-top box. For cell phone users, it's the charging cord, and for others: the cordless phone and answering machine.
Outdoors it might be the garage door opener, cordless power tools, low-level outdoor lighting, and security system.
In the kitchen, it's a microwave oven, coffeemaker, dishwasher, and stove.
An HVAC, window A/c or furnace also take their little nibbles.
Home office items include modems, laptops, scanners, printers, fax machines, and even your surge protector. If you have radios or clocks, those add a little bit, as well.
The problem
The dilemma faced by most homeowners is that they have been led to believe that if a device is off, it's not drawing energy. But a clock is so handy. Of course, we need a modem. Couldn't live without a sound system, or home office, not to mention the critical coffee maker and other kitchen gizmos. Electrical vampires are a little bit like taxes: that tiny bit of extra doesn't seem like it adds up to much, but once a homeowner starts to calculate what is drawing when everything is off, it doesn't seem like such a little amount anymore! Experts estimate it’s over $100-200 per year per home. That’s your money!
Solutions
So many of these appliances will draw without our ability to curtail it, such as garage door openers. But others, such as sound systems and office equipment, don't need to be plugged in all the time and can even benefit from being unplugged in the event of a power surge. Power strips cut off vampire appliances so they can't quietly draw and cost a homeowner money. When the devices are in use, the power strip can be turned on, and then returned to the off position when they aren't in use. While this won't derail every energy vampire, it starts to add up over time. Like being able to buy items tax-free, the savings over time makes it a worthwhile endeavor.
Safety is also a factor
One of the final points to remember is that surge protectors actually will protect delicate electronics in the event of a power surge. While this doesn't seem likely on the outside, the relief of not having to pay for thousands of dollars in damaged electronics in the event there is a surge is very attractive. So much so that people in areas where surges frequently happen often purchase whole house surge protectors.
If you have concerns about electrical surges, excessive energy consumption, or other electrical questions, why not schedule an electrician to come to review your electrical system? We offer comprehensive home electrical services for residential and commercial customers and would love to hear from you.
Kennedy Electric is a reliable full-service electrical company serving residential and commercial customers in Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties. We offer electrical repairs, boat lift wiring, remodels, low voltage lighting, generator hookups, RV power, electrical inspections, fan installation, home lighting, new circuits, panels, and more. Call today at 352-251-2795.
