They are lurking in our homes and businesses and we don't even know it.  Common appliances may look innocent enough, but they are silently stealing electricity from your outlets even when turned off. And it's costing you money right now - the average U.S. household spends $100 per year to power devices while they are off (or in standby mode).  

Stealing Your Energy

While leaving your cell phone charger or printer plugged into an outlet may seem harmless, it's not. Desktop computers, large TVs, surround-sound systems and cable/satellite TV boxes are the biggest offenders. And don't forget the chargers for digital cameras, power tools and other electronic devices.  Regardless of whether the device is connected or not, they are drawing power whenever they are plugged into an outlet.

The best way to start fighting this enemy is by unplugging anything not in use or investing in a smart power strip.

Unplugging may be easy for your coffee maker or phone charger, but it is not as convenient for other items like TVs, DVD players and computers. Instead, plug these items into a smart power strip - one that detects when you are not using your electronic devices and automatically cuts power to them. They also feature a few "live" outlets that supply power all the time.  Devices plugged into the live outlets will receive constant power which is necessary for devices such as cable boxes or modems.

Stop your appliances from stealing electricity with these simple tips:

CHECK THE LABEL
When you are shopping for new appliances or electronics, look for the ENERGY STAR label.  These models often use 50 percent less standby power.  ENERGY STAR computers have a low-power mode which saves energy and helps equipment run cooler and last longer.

UNPLUG IT
Remember to unplug phone chargers as soon as the phone is fully charged.  This will stop phantom energy use in its tracks.

POWER STRIPS
At a cost of $20 to $40 each, power strips offer ways to "pull the plug" automatically with the flip of a switch.  Plug multiple items into the strip and simply turn it off when you're not using the devices.  If the strip is off, you don't have to worry about leaking electricity.

SMART POWER STRIPS
But we all know it doesn't make sense to unplug every appliance or electronic item.  Some things need to stay powered on to maintain settings.  There are "smart" power strips which detect when you are not using your TV or computer and automatically cuts off power.  They have several "always on" slots for those devices that need to stay powered on, such as a DVR.

BIGGER SAVINGS
If you really want to cut down on your energy bill, consider a home energy audit, which can pinpoint other areas your home is wasting energy.

This isn't just about saving money; it's also about the future. Try to involve the whole family - while your kids may not understand dollars and cents, they do understand protecting the world in which they live, learn and play.  Involve them in the action by declaring them energy vampire hunters. 

Visit our Rebates and Promotions page to learn about rebates on energy efficient equipment and other offers available to help you lower your energy bills.

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