If you have a typical household, you’re probably playing host to a few energy vampires that are using electricity unnecessarily and draining your wallet. Energy vampires are all around — in the kitchen, bedroom, living room, garage and even the bathroom. Why pay for electricity you do not even use? Learn how to recognize energy waste, manage it and turn your home into a more efficient environment. 

• Identify your home’s energy vampires. Pretty much any appliance that remains plugged into an electrical outlet could be drawing some electricity. That includes TVs, DVRs and DVD players, computers, kitchen appliances and lamps. Other electronic devices, such as chargers, may even continue to consume power even after the end-use device (such as a mobile phone or camera) has been detached. Although there are some devices with options like timers and clocks that have to remain plugged in order to retain their function, most of the appliances in your home probably have to be unplugged to prevent them from consuming unnecessary amounts of electricity.
• Use a power strip. A power strip is useful for several different electronic devices, especially those that require peripheral equipment. When switched off, it will disconnect every device plugged into it from the power supply completely, so not one is drawing power from the outlet. It also allows you to turn off several appliances at once without physically unplugging each from the power source.
• Use Energy Star-rated products. Some appliances, such as washing machines, air conditioners, refrigerators and ovens cannot be unplugged. To minimize their energy consumption, replace older models with newer versions that have an Energy Star rating.

If you need more help increasing your home’s efficiency or identifying energy vampires, ask the experts at Smoky Mountain Heating & Air. We’re the trusted provider of high-quality heating and air conditioning services for Asheville-area residents.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Asheville, North Carolina and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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