Saving Your Home From “vampire” Appliances

By Author: John Smith
Total Articles: 13
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In today’s extremely environmentally-conscious society, doing our part to reduce our carbon footprint and protect our atmosphere has never been more important. And with many of us still experiencing the economic woes felt around the country, saving money is equally important as well, especially off of our monthly energy bill. Contrary to popular belief, however, the “off” switch on some appliances doesn’t necessarily mean “off.” Many appliances simply go into standby mode, meaning they’re still working, even when you aren’t using them. Our Richardson TX electricians can provide you with some helpful tips to fight these power-sucking appliances.

Consumer Concerns
So what does this mean for the consumer? While your televisions, video game consoles, stereo systems and other appliances are in off mode, they’re still costing you money from an electrical standpoint - not as much as it would be if the machines were on, but costing money nonetheless, money you could be spending elsewhere.

What they Do
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... Machines such as these are called “vampire” appliances, basically because they suck up electricity and bleed your energy dollars in doing so. A typical home can boast anywhere from 15-30 of these appliances, which could cost you hundreds of dollars per year. This extra expenditure can quickly add up, costing you added stress and worry without even having realized it.

Solutions
There are a couple of helpful solutions to fighting these appliances. The most extreme answer is to unplug the machines you’re not using. Granted, that’s difficult considering you use them all most of the time, and it can be difficult to constantly remember to turn off and on appliances throughout your home. A more reasonable solution is to use smart power strips with on/off buttons. This way, you can control many of these “vampire” appliances with one power cord, making turning them on and off as simple as flicking a switch. Another solution would be to purchase energy-efficient appliances. Televisions with the Energy Star label could save you a large amount of dollars down the road versus the conventional television. These appliances may cost more on the forefront, but their added savings over time truly allows them to pay for themselves.

Our expert Richardson TX electricians can offer additional tips to save you money and keep the vampires from the sucking the life out of your home and your wallets. With any additional questions or comments, feel free to call our commercial and residential electrical company a call today, or contact us online for additional information.

About the Author:
J-Five Electric is a full-service electric company proudly serving Dallas TX and surrounding areas. A family-run business for 17 years, our licensed and insured electricians provide professional, same-day service at affordable rates. Whether a residential or commercial property we offer lighting and wiring assistance, as well as a wide variety of other services.