Vampires sucking your energy bills?
As Halloween approaches, it’s time to beware of more than just ghosts and ghouls lurking in the shadows. There’s something scarier hiding in your home, and it’s been sucking the life out of your energy bills all year long—Energy Vampires!
But don’t worry, with a few simple tricks (and treats), you can slay these power-hungry creatures and keep your home running efficiently. So, grab your garlic and let’s banish those energy-sucking fiends for good!
What is an Energy Vampire?
Energy vampires aren’t the cape-wearing, fanged creatures of the night, but they do have one thing in common: they never truly sleep!
These sneaky appliances and devices keep draining energy even when you’ve turned them “off.” Each one might seem harmless on its own, but together, they can account for up to 10% of your monthly energy bill—yikes! That’s up to $100 a year going straight to the undead!
Why do Vampire devices suck energy?
Energy vampires love to lurk in standby mode, quietly sipping on electricity while you’re not looking. This happens because many modern appliances don’t actually power down when you turn them off. They’re still running background tasks—checking for Wi-Fi signals, downloading updates, or waiting for voice commands (like a vampire waiting for permission to enter your house).
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What appliances suck the most energy?
Not all vampires wear capes, and not all appliances suck equally. Here are some of the worst offenders according to a 2021 study by Canstar Blue:
- 🎮Gaming consoles: Your PlayStation or Xbox loves to stay “ready” at all times, draining power even when you’re not playing.
- 🧺🍽️ Washing machines & dishwashers: They may seem harmless, but they’re still drawing energy when not in use.
- 🌐Wireless modems: Your Wi-Fi router is always searching for a connection, even when you’re fast asleep.
- 📱💻Chargers left plugged in: If your phone or laptop charger is warm to the touch, it’s still wasting energy—even when your device is fully charged!
How to slay the Vampires
Now that you’ve identified the energy vampires haunting your home, it’s time to put on your vampire hunter cape and slay them! Here’s how:
- Switch off at the source: The best way to stop energy vampires is by turning off appliances at the power outlet. You don’t need a stake, just a flick of a switch!
- Use smart plugs: If reaching the power outlet feels like navigating a haunted house, try a smart plug. With just a tap on your phone, you can cut the power to your devices—no garlic required.
- Check energy ratings: Like garlic to a vampire, energy-efficient appliances repel power waste. The better the energy rating, the less power it uses on standby.
- Tweak standby settings: Some smart devices let you turn off background functions like Wi-Fi scanning or automatic updates—perfect for keeping those vamps in check.
- Monitor your usage: Stay one step ahead of your energy vampires by tracking your electricity with your Emerald App. It’s like having a ghost-hunting gadget for your home—minus the spooky!
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your energy bills from getting drained by those sneaky vampires this Halloween. So, kick back, relax, and enjoy the spooky season knowing your home is safe from those power-sucking fiends.
With a little help from Emerald and some smart tricks, you’ll banish those energy vampires for good—saving energy and money in the process!
