Vampires in Your House-eek

So every so often some nice PR person sends me info and asks me if I'd like to share it with my readers. Mostly I ignore the requests unless of course it peeks my interest. This one did... so Pr person from Best Buy thanks for the info. Readers you'll see my color copy banter noted in pumpkin color font!

Vampire Power is the electricity that consumer electronics and appliances use while they are switched off or in a standby mode. *OOOOH scary sounding yes...here's the dealy-o.

THE SCARY FACTS

• 40 percent of all electricity used to power electronics in the average American home, such as TVs, DVD players and computers, is consumed while these products are turned off, according to the Department of Energy.

• The average home wastes close to $1,000 in electricity costs per year at current rates (more in the future if energy costs continue to climb). *yikes, now that's scary*

• The average microwave consumes more power when it is not in use. *damn mine is built in- can't get to the plug easily*

• The average American home has approximately 20 to 40 electronics plugged in that abuse vampire power. *me included...how about you?*

FORGET THE GARLIC THIS HALLOWEEN – HERE’S HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF

• Use a power strip: Plug your chargers into a power strip and when you’re not using those chargers, turn the power strip off. *thinking I can do this!*
• Get unplugged:All of your chargers (cell phone, MP3, laptop, and even electric toothbrushes) continue to draw electricity even when the device is not charging. When the device has been completely charged unplug the charger from the wall.*yep, easy enough* 
• Turn your computer off: Completely shut down your computer and printer when not in use. If you are unable to do so, at least make sure the computer goes into a low-power sleep, standby or hibernate mode. And watch out for those screen savers; graphic intense screen savers can actually waste power. *eek, I'll try*
• Look for the Star: Upgrade electronics and appliances to Energy Star-rated models, which draw less power than the average when in “off” mode.

For more tips and advice on ridding vampires from your home, visit your local Best Buy store or check out www.vampireawarenessday.com

Comments

[leslie/kal studio]

good informative post. used the tiny url one too!

[allison carter]

Great post - The problem is the clocks!! If they didn't put clocks on everything I could turn off the microwave, oven/stove, coffee pot, etc.
My family hates the blinky lights.