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There is more to worry about than just saving money when it comes to reducing domestic energy use, as energy prices continue to rise and environmental issues become more pressing. Plenty of appliances and gadgets in your home consume electricity even when not in use – a phenomenon known as “vampire power”. By finding and disconnecting these energy leaks, your monthly electricity costs can be significantly reduced.
Here’s a list of 10 typical culprits that can save you significant money when unplugged.
1. Chargers (Phone, Laptop, Tablet)
Phone, laptop and tablet chargers use electricity even when the device is not actively charging. Although it may not seem like much, this continuous stream soon climbs up. You can reduce unnecessary power consumption and extend the life of your charger by disconnecting it when not in use.
2. Television
Even when turned off, modern televisions—especially smart TVs—consume significant amounts of electricity. To receive signals from the remote control and update the software, they remain in standby mode. One way to reduce idle power consumption and save energy is to unplug your TV when not in use.
3. Computer Equipment
Even if they are turned off, desktop computers, displays, and related devices such as printers and scanners can still use power. Unplugging these gadgets at the end of the day or using a smart power strip to effectively control their energy consumption is the easiest way to stop waste.
4. Kitchen Appliances
Toasters, coffee makers and other small kitchen gadgets don’t always need to be plugged in. These gadgets often have power-consuming clocks or standby functions. After using it, unplug it or consider turning off multiple devices at once with a power strip.
5. Entertainment Systems
Even when not in use, home entertainment devices such as stereos, gaming consoles and DVD players consume a lot of electricity. When not in use, unplugging them lowers your electricity bills and reduces the risk of electrical fires.
6. Cable Boxes
Among the appliances in the home electronics category that consume the most energy are cable boxes, especially those with DVR features. They keep track of shows and update the program guide frequently. When you take a long vacation, unplugging them can save significant costs.
7. Decorative Lighting
For convenience or aesthetic purposes, electric candles and string lights are examples of decorative items that are frequently left plugged in for long periods of time. However, they can use a lot of energy. It is possible to reduce energy consumption by using them less often or by choosing battery- or solar-powered options.
8. Space Heaters
Space heaters use a lot of electricity. Making sure they are disconnected when not in use will help save energy, even if it’s not a good idea to leave them running unattended for safety reasons. This is also true for portable air conditioners.
9. Washing Machines and Dryers
Older washer and dryer machines have the potential to utilize “phantom” energy even when they are not in use. Unplugging these gadgets after washing laundry is a healthy habit, especially if you don’t use them often.
10. Garage Tools
When not in use, power tools and other equipment stored in the shed or garage, such as saws, drills and lawnmowers, should be disconnected. If these devices are left plugged into an outlet, they can continuously drain power.
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