These days, even the average home seems to have multiple
televisions and several computers. Some of those computers are probably
dedicated to specific functions. There might be a computer in the kitchen
devoted to checking e-mail. There’s probably another one with a gaming console
attached. Or perhaps there are two, just to keep the peace between your kids.
Then add some over-sized external monitors and don’t forget the printer and
scanner. That's a lot of devices and a lot of electricity.
Beware of Vampires
All of these devices help us stay productive, efficient,
connected, informed and entertained, but a problem is it that they continue to
drain electrical energy even when they are turned off. As long as these devices
are still plugged into an AC receptacle, they use standby power. This energy
wasting process is known as phantom load or often called vampire loads.
The Energy Experts want to remind you that if you add up the
electrical usage for all of these consumer electronics devices, it can easily
add up to 10% of your monthly bill. In fact, it’s been estimated that vampire
loads cost the average consumer about $200 per year. That is enough wasted
energy to power 11,000,000 homes in the United States.
Have You Tried an
Advanced Power Strip?
There is an easy and low cost solution to your home’s
vampire problem. It’s called an advanced power strip. Most of us use power
strips around our homes because of the convenience, but advanced power strips can
actually reduce wasted electricity when devices are idle. Advanced power strips are designed primarily for home
offices and home entertainment centers and save wasted electricity by preventing
electronics from drawing power when not in use. Here’s a list of the types of advanced power strips currently
on the market:
- Timer Power Strip: Automatically turns off outlets based on a pre-set schedule.
- Activity Monitor Power Strip: Detects signs of activity in the room. If no activity is identified, the power strip turns off outlets.
- Remote Switch Power Strip: User can remoted turn off power strip.
- Master-Controlled Power Strip: When users turns off primary device such as a computer or television, this power strip automatically turns off outlets where peripheral devices are plugged in.
- Masterless Power Strip: When all controlled devices are turned off, this power strip turns off the power to the outlet completely. This eliminates all vampire loads.
The Energy Experts
Each month The Energy
Experts present a Blog that shares helpful information on a wide-range of
topics that involve the intersection of home and health. Are you concerned
about energy savings, indoor air quality, home comfort and family health
issues? Then check in with The Energy Experts each month for more valuable
information on these important topics.
