2024-10-30 12:55:00
While some appliances may turn off automatically, others may continue to draw power if you don’t unplug them. One device in particular turns out to be particularly wasteful from an energy point of view.
Today it is a fairly well-known fact: devices that are turned off can continue to consume energy. This is why manufacturers of household appliances or high-tech appliances now offer solutions so that they turn off completely when they are not used for a certain period. There are, however, some tools and objects that can justify a certain amount of electricity consumption, even when you think you have turned them off.
The Infobae website has identified the devices that are most likely to consume electricity when not in use. While we have already mentioned some of them on our site, the study carried out by Infobae mainly served to highlight the device that is most likely to increase your electricity bill at the end of the year. This consumption, which therefore concerns objects considered extinct, is generally defined as “vampiric”. This can include many household appliances such as refrigerators, toasters, chargers, etc.
But the device with the highest consumption of vampires according to the study by the Infobae site is more advanced. This is connected television, also called “smart TV”. According to the study, a connected TV will likely consume between 0.5 and 3 Watts even when turned off. For comparison, this can represent between 2.5 and 5% of the consumption of the same TV when you turn it on and use it. The reason is simple: a connected TV sometimes performs certain operations when in standby, such as checking for updates or doing any other action that requires it to stay connected to the Internet.
You might tell yourself that’s not much, but you should add this vampire consumption to all the others in your home. According to the study, the vampire consumption of your appliances being turned off, but not unplugged, can account for 20% of the total electricity bill you receive at the end of the year.
The simplest way to reduce your electricity consumption is to simply unplug your appliances when you’re not using them. This is especially true if you have “smart” or internet-connected devices like a smart TV or other everyday devices that may be running tasks in the background when you’re not using them.
#device #consumes #turned #study
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Energy Efficiency Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re discussing a topic that affects all of us—vampire energy consumption. Joining us is Dr. Maria Salvatori, an energy efficiency expert, who will shed some light on this often overlooked issue. Dr. Salvatori, thank you for being here!
Dr. Salvatori: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this important topic that touches our everyday lives.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Can you explain what vampire energy consumption is and why it matters?
Dr. Salvatori: Absolutely! Vampire energy, also known as standby power, refers to the electricity that appliances consume while they’re switched off or in standby mode. This is particularly concerning because it can quietly add up, leading to higher energy bills over time, and increasing carbon emissions if your energy source is fossil fuels.
Editor: It sounds like a stealthy culprit! You mentioned that some devices are particularly notorious for this. What are the worst offenders?
Dr. Salvatori: Great question! According to recent research, household appliances like refrigerators, toasters, and phone chargers are among the worst offenders. Even when they’re not actively in use, many devices continue drawing power. For example, a television can consume energy when it’s turned off but still plugged in.
Editor: That’s surprising! I imagine many people are unaware of how much energy they might be wasting. How can consumers combat this?
Dr. Salvatori: There are several strategies consumers can adopt. First, unplug devices when they’re not in use, especially chargers, as they can draw power even without the device connected. Utilizing power strips is also a handy solution; you can turn off multiple devices at once, making it easier to ensure everything is truly off.
Editor: Are there any innovations in appliance design that help combat this issue?
Dr. Salvatori: Yes! Manufacturers are becoming increasingly aware of this issue and some now offer energy-efficient appliances that automatically turn off after a period of inactivity. This is a significant step toward reducing vampire energy consumption. Smart home technology also allows consumers to monitor and manage their devices more efficiently, even remotely.
Editor: With all these changes, how can we educate others about the importance of addressing vampire energy consumption?
Dr. Salvatori: Education is key! Sharing information on platforms like social media, community workshops, or even simple conversations with friends can raise awareness. Additionally, governments and organizations can support public awareness campaigns that highlight the cost savings and environmental benefits of reducing energy waste.
Editor: That’s great advice, Dr. Salvatori! As we are heading into 2024, what do you see as the future of energy consumption in households?
Dr. Salvatori: I believe we’ll see a continued push toward smart home technologies and more stringent energy efficiency regulations. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, manufacturers will likely focus on designing products that minimize energy consumption, even in standby mode. The goal is to create a more sustainable lifestyle that integrates seamlessly with our daily routines.
Editor: Thank you for your insights and practical advice, Dr. Salvatori. It seems there’s a lot we can do to fight vampire energy consumption and save on our bills—not to mention help the planet.
Dr. Salvatori: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this with you. I hope everyone is inspired to take action against energy waste in their homes!
Editor: And to our readers, thank you for joining us today. Remember, every small change matters when it comes to saving energy and our environment. Stay tuned for more insights on sustainable living!