Beware of vampire electronics

"Vampire electronics" suck energy when they're turned off and can drive up energy bills of unwary customers, says Direct Energy. The company is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with 5+ million residential and commercial customer relationships.

To keep energy bills and consumption down, Direct Energy suggests it's key to identify the electronic culprits. These "vampire electronics" can include portable MP3 players, mobile phones, televisions, microwaves, stoves, washing machines and more.

Here are several facts. A sleek plasma TV monitor can suck up to 1,452.4 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy annually or approximately $116.19 per year. The average home computer can use 311.0 kWh annually in standby mode which would cost $24.88 a year.

Direct Energy offers the following tips on reducing energy costs from vampire electronics:

- "When finished charging devices such as a personal digital assistant, mobile 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."

- "Unplug all major appliances when heading out on vacation. Even when devices such as the microwave, stove and washing machine aren't in use their LED panels continue to gobble energy."

- "Turn all computers and monitors off. Though this equipment may convert to sleep mode, it keeps draining energy."

- "Rather than leaving a light on to deter burglars, install a timer. This way, lights are on for only a short period rather than all day."

- "Purchase a power bar that can turn several appliances off at the same time so plugging-in and unplugging is easier and more convenient."

For more information, visit Direct Energy online.

Image courtesy of www.freepixels.com

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