(NC)-Count Dracula may be a fun myth, but it's a costly fact that some appliances and electrical devices suck energy even when they're turned off. Computers, chargers, TVs and many other devices continue to drain power even when you think they are sleeping. It's good for your wallet and the environment to identify these current-sucking creatures and drive a stake through their power-hungry hearts.
Direct Energy offers the following tips to prevent vampire electronics from putting the bite on you for a frightening energy bill.
Pull the plug. When finished charging devices such as a personal digital assistant, cell phone, or portable MP3 player, disconnect the device and unplug the charger. Even if the device isn't connected, energy continues to seep out through the charger itself.
It's more than shutting the blinds before vacation. Most homeowners head out on vacation and only think about turning the blinds down. What they don't realize is vampire electronics will continue to suck them dry. Remember to unplug all major appliances before leaving. Even when the microwave, stove and washing machine aren't in use their LED panels continue to gobble energy.
Turn all computers and monitors off. Even though this equipment may convert to sleep mode, it keeps draining energy. Remember to take the extra few seconds to power down the computer.
Purchase a power bar. Power bars are handy to have and can turn several electronic devices off at the same time. Using a power bar is more convenient than plugging and un-plugging in hard-to-reach places around your home.
For more information on Vampire Electronics, visit www.directenergy.com.
- News Canada