The appliances in your home can have a major impact on your carbon footprint and your energy bills. You might think that these devices only consume energy while they’re in use, but many actually continue to operate while turned off. They’re often called “vampire appliances” because they suck up a bunch of unnecessary energy, but a licensed electrician can help you curb this waste and lower your energy costs. Here is a helpful guide to vampire appliances along with some tips for minimizing their impact.

What You Need to Know About Vampire Appliances

What Is a Vampire Appliance?

“Vampire appliance” refers to any appliance that uses electricity even when it’s not in use. This list can include TVs, gaming consoles, microwaves, printers, and coffee makers, among others. When these devices are plugged in, they are still receiving electricity just to be in standby mode. 

What to Do About Vampire Appliances

The easiest thing you can do to save energy use on these appliances is to unplug them completely when they’re not in use. For some items, like your TV, unplugging from the wall might be a bit inconvenient—instead, plug them into a power strip that you can easily turn off when you leave. Additionally, you can purchase an energy monitor or have a licensed electrician visit your home to perform an assessment. This can give you a better idea of which specific appliances in your home use the most unnecessary energy, which will make it easier for you to make adjustments or even replace certain items that might be especially inefficient.

If you’re looking for a licensed electrician to perform an evaluation or improve any of the electrical wiring in your home, look no further than Shaffer Electric in Wilton, CA. Serving the Greater Sacramento area, the highly skilled team serves residential, commercial, and industrial properties with a variety of electrical repairs and services. Whether you want to redesign your lighting or make your property more efficient, the bonded, insured, and licensed electricians are prepared to offer you the best possible service. Call (916) 687-7555 or visit the website to speak with a member of the team.