Did you know that you’re sharing your home with “energy vampires?” They use energy from your electronic and electrical devices—even when those devices are turned off. Here’s a tip from Mid-South Synergy that can help you get rid of those “vampires,” saving energy and money.
Any electronic device or appliance that has a plug draws energy, even after you turn it off. So the only way to stop that energy drain is to pull the plug. As www.TogetherWeSave.com has shown, pulling plugs and switching off power strips can save you money.
One way to identify those “energy vampires” is to start with devices that have remote controls—TVs, DVRs and audio equipment, for example. And don’t forget about gaming consoles and computers, monitors and printers. Yet another thing to check is chargers for cells phones, iPods, small DVD players and laptops, which use energy even when they’re not charging anything.
Your electronic devices may not use much power when they are switched off, but still plugged in. But those losses add up. “Energy vampires” are responsible for an estimated 10% of the electricity that you use every month.
One easy solution is to plug all the components of a computer system or a home entertainment system into a power strip. Then, with a single flip of a switch, you can really turn off everything plugged into the strip. And don’t forget to unplug any appliances—such as coffee makers and toaster ovens—when you aren’t using them.
For other tips on how to save energy—and money—visit Touchstone Energy’s energy-saving website or call the energy experts at Mid-South Synergy. Find out how the little changes add up at www.TogetherWeSave.com.