WITH the costs soaring all around the world, millions of Americans are on the lookout for simple ways to effectively slash their expenses.
A recent CNET survey found that a staggering 78% of Americans are stressed about rising energy costs, the publication reported.
One expert has listed five common ‘vampire devices’ that drain the energy the most[/caption]
Luckily, there are three easy ways to slash the costs this season – scroll down to see more[/caption]
“Utility bills going up the way they are become a greater portion of someone’s income, and it is concerning,” said Sequoya Cross, vice president of energy storage at Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions.
As many of cash-strapped Americans are searching for tips to cut their energy use, one expert has listed five ”vampire devices” that could be responsible for the hefty bills.
An energy vampire device is an appliance that continues to use electricity, even when it is not in use.
According to the NRDC, almost one-quarter of home energy use is spent by energy vampire devices, including culprits such as:
- Phone chargers
- Laptop chargers
- Coffee machines
- ‘Getting ready appliances’ (e.g. hairdryers, hair straighteners)
- Video game consoles.
In the interest of saving almost 20% of your monthly electricity bill, and 4.6% of electricity-induced CO2 emissions annually, how can you slay these vampire devices?
Here’s how…
- Identify and unplug them
This is the easiest way to make sure your devices are not using unnecessary energy.
By simply unplugging an appliance immediately after use, you have the best control over this passive energy usage, and it is easiest to implement for devices you don’t use often or for long periods of time (e.g. rice cookers or shaving razors).
- Use a power strip
Another pro tip is using a power strip, which is a convenient way to group appliances, and slash power to them through one easily accessible plug.
In some models, you’re able to cut power to unused devices while still continuing to use others plugged into the same power strip.
If possible, have the power strip plugged in somewhere that is easy for you to reach – this will make it easier to unplug when necessary.
4 ways to keep your energy bills low
Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic shared her tips.
1. Turn your heating down by one degree
You probably won’t even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70.
2. Switch appliances and lights off
It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills
3. Install a smart meter
Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used.
4. Consider switching energy supplier
No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you’ve let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven’t browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there.
- Share devices
If you and your roommate or colleague both use devices that have the same charging port, it might be worth considering sharing a charger.
This is especially effective if you both have busy schedules and you are unlikely to be using the device at the same time.
As long as the last user remembers to unplug the device, it makes for one less energy vampire to keep track of, advised the expert at GU Planning and Facilities Management.
